Kehoe declares state of emergency, signs order cutting diesel-related restrictions amid skyrocketing prices

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gov. Mike Kehoe on Wednesday signed an executive order that aims to reduce restrictions on the types of diesel fuel that can be used in motor vehicles.

The order also allows a “temporary increase in agricultural allowable weight limitations.” A press release from the governor’s office says the order declares a state of emergency in the state, “allowing farmers and haulers in commercial vehicles licensed for farm use to use dyed diesel fuel on state highways for agricultural purposes and adjusts commercial vehicle weight limitations to increase capacity for agricultural transportation.”

The release says dyed diesel is an off-read fuel marked red that is used in agricultural operations and sold without a motor-fuel tax.

This comes as diesel prices have eclipsed $6 a gallon. Missouri is joining an increasing number of states to ease diesel restrictions for such reasons, including Nebraska, Texas, Louisiana and Alabama.

The release says the order suspends state restrictions for vehicles traveling on Missouri-operated highways engaged in agricultural operations, and "prohibits any state agency, department, or law enforcement officer from assessing taxes, administrative, civil, or criminal penalties against any owner or operator operating within the scope of this exemption."

The Missouri Corn Growers Association and Missouri Soybean Association each endorsed Kehoe’s decision with a pair of statements.

“Missouri farmers are doing everything they can to make this harvest work,” Missouri Corn CEO Bradley Schad was quoted in a release. “We appreciate the governor’s continued partnership in looking at all options to help keep the combines rolling.”