Michigan, Maryland Ease Dyed-Diesel Rules for Farmers

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a statewide energy emergency and temporarily allowed vehicles with farm or wood-harvester plates to use tax-exempt red-dyed diesel on public roads while hauling agricultural or forestry products, without state penalties, through Dec. 31, 2026. The measure is intended to ease fuel costs during harvest season; a Michigan State University Extension expert estimated farmers and loggers could save about 52 cents per gallon, though he did not expect the change to lower grocery prices. Whitmer cited high diesel prices linked to the war in Iran, and the move followed a federal order by President Donald Trump encouraging states to relax restrictions. Maryland has also temporarily authorized farmers and loggers to use dyed diesel on public roads, though state officials advised against crossing state lines while neighboring rules remain unclear.