Senators Ask Walz for More Diesel Relief

Two Minnesota Senate agriculture leaders are asking Governor Tim Walz to provide additional diesel-fuel relief for farmers during harvest.

Senators Aric Putnam of St. Cloud and Rob Kupec of Moorhead want farmers temporarily allowed to use lower-taxed red-dyed diesel on public roads. The lawmakers estimate the change could save about 32 cents per gallon.

Kupec says the governor’s office is examining whether Walz has the authority to make that change.

Walz has already issued an order allowing eligible agricultural and forest-product haulers to exceed normal weight limits by up to 10 percent on state and local roads. That relief does not apply to interstate highways and lasts until October 30 unless rescinded earlier.