Texas emergency order eases diesel and trucking rules

What the declaration changes

The Texas governor has declared a state of emergency after diesel reached a record a gallon, compared with in February. That is an increase of a gallon, or about 78%.

The declaration makes three regulatory changes. It suspends emissions rules, raises truck weight limits and expands the use of tax-exempt dyed diesel on Texas roads.

Each provision addresses a different part of diesel-powered road transportation. Suspending emissions rules changes which environmental requirements apply to activity covered by the declaration. Higher weight limits allow trucks covered by the order to carry more than they could under the ordinary limits. The dyed-diesel provision broadens when tax-exempt dyed fuel may be used on public roads in Texas.

What the price increase means

At a gallon, 100 gallons of diesel costs. The same amount would have cost at the February price, a difference of.

The declaration changes operating, weight and fuel-use rules rather than setting a new diesel price. Its measures center on how trucks can operate and which diesel can be used on Texas roads while the emergency declaration is in effect.

What to watch

Implementation will depend on the specific emissions requirements covered by the suspension and the revised maximum truck weights. The scope of eligible on-road dyed-diesel use will also determine which vehicles and operations can use the tax-exempt fuel. The declaration’s duration will determine how long the three changes remain in place.