LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska farmers, ranchers and livestock transporters are receiving temporary relief from diesel costs and transportation restrictions as the state moves through harvest season.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has issued two executive orders aimed at addressing rising diesel fuel costs, fuel supply concerns and transportation pressures facing the state’s agricultural community.
Under the first executive order, highway-registered vehicles may temporarily hold, sell or use untaxed dyed diesel fuel without facing state fines or penalties. Dyed diesel is typically reserved for qualifying off-road uses because it is not subject to regular highway fuel taxes.
The order also provides a pathway for agricultural transportation operations to seek refunds for diesel taxes paid while hauling Nebraska seasonally produced products and livestock on state roads. Refunds can be requested by filing Form 84AG with the Nebraska Department of Revenue.
Under the first executive order, highway-registered vehicles are permitted to hold, sell, or use untaxed, dyed diesel fuel without facing state fines or penalties. Additionally, diesel taxes paid while transporting Nebraska seasonally produced products and livestock on state roads are eligible for a refund by filing Form 84AG with the Nebraska Department of Revenue. This order takes effect immediately and will remain active for 90 days.
The diesel-related executive order takes effect immediately and will remain in place for 90 days.
Weight Limits Temporarily Increased for Agricultural Transportation
Pillen also signed a second executive order providing temporary weight-limit relief for vehicles transporting seasonally produced agricultural products and livestock.
Under the order, qualifying vehicles may operate at up to 25% above legal gross and axle group weight limits without purchasing additional permits or paying the associated fees.
The temporary change is intended to provide additional flexibility as farmers move crops during harvest and livestock producers continue transporting animals and agricultural products across the state.
For Nebraska pork producers and other livestock operations, transportation and diesel costs can affect several areas of production, including feed delivery, livestock hauling, manure management and the movement of grain and other inputs.
Pillen Requests Federal Action on Diesel Exports
In addition to the state actions, Pillen sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting federal action on diesel supplies.
Pillen asked the president to consider a temporary 90-day pause on U.S. diesel exports to foreign countries. The governor said such a move could allow domestic diesel inventories to rebuild and potentially provide cost relief during harvest season.
“Our farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our state,” Pillen said. “It’s critical that I do everything in my power to make sure they are supported, especially during this season where they are working day in and day out to get the crops out of the ground.”
The two executive orders provide immediate temporary measures at the state level as Nebraska farmers, livestock producers and agricultural businesses work through one of the busiest transportation and fuel-use periods of the year.
