North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong declared a state of emergency Tuesday over high diesel prices and signed an executive order expanding the permitted uses of lower-taxed red-dyed diesel fuel for agricultural producers.

The order allows licensed vehicles used in ag operations to use the cheaper fuel on public highways for hauling grain, livestock, feed, seed, fertilizer, equipment, and other inputs and products, as well as for storing and processing agricultural goods. It takes effect immediately and remains in place through Nov. 30.

Under state law, regular diesel carries a 23-cent-per-gallon excise tax while red-dyed diesel is taxed at just 4 cents per gallon and is normally restricted to off-highway uses. The change provides farmers a savings of 19 cents per gallon in state taxes during the peak harvest season. The order does not affect the federal government's 24.4-cent-per-gallon excise tax.

“Record high diesel prices are squeezing our ag producers, and this is a meaningful and timely step we can take to provide temporary relief and help our farmers and ranchers through the harvest season,” Armstrong said.

State Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring noted that farmers burn more diesel during harvest than at any other time of year. He said the cost reduction is critical amid thin margins and high input costs, and that lower transportation expenses for suppliers and processors could help ease costs for consumers.

The declaration comes as governors in Texas and Louisiana have also taken action over diesel prices. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster proclamation on Sept. 28 allowing expanded use of dyed diesel on public roads, raising allowable gross weights to 95,000 pounds for fuel, agricultural, and timber loads, and suspending certain emission rules to the extent authorized by the EPA. Abbott requested a federal waiver from the EPA to further increase supply. “Texas agriculture and freight run on diesel. Record prices put both industries at risk and raise costs for every Texas family. Farmers and truckers can now use dyed diesel on Texas roads, and fuel, crop, and timber loads can move at a higher weight. These steps cut costs on the farm, on the road, and at the store,” Abbott said.

In Louisiana, Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency effective Sept. 23, suspending penalties for the use of dyed diesel in farm and timber vehicles on highways through Oct. 22. The order also directs state officials to seek federal penalty relief. “We’re not going to sit on the sidelines while Louisiana farmers are paying record prices to harvest the crops that feed our families and support our economy. We have an opportunity to provide immediate relief, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” Landry said. The actions by the three governors reflect coordinated state efforts to address elevated diesel costs affecting agriculture and related industries.