LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a statewide energy emergency Monday so farm and forestry trucks can burn lower-cost dyed diesel on Michigan roads during the fall harvest.
Executive Order 2026-15 lets vehicles with farm or wood harvester license plates use dyed diesel fuel on public roads by suspending parts of the Motor Fuel Tax Act that normally ban it. The order took effect immediately and ends no later than Dec. 31, 2026.
Dyed diesel is meant for off-road equipment and costs less because road taxes are not collected on it. For eligible plated vehicles, the order waives the 52-cent per gallon state diesel tax without interest or penalties. Commercial and for-hire plated trucks are not covered.
The governor tied the move to record diesel prices and supply problems linked to the war with Iran. Statewide, diesel is averaging about $6.48 a gallon, and farmers and loggers are at the peak of their busiest season.
Earlier this month a farm group and 19 other commodity and agribusiness organizations asked the governor for 90 days of relief from the dyed diesel rules. The state order also clears the way for a federal order issued Oct. 6 that waived the federal restriction for the same kinds of vehicles.
Farm leaders reminded drivers that any fuel used should still meet the vehicle maker specifications. The order does not change other fuel tax duties under state law.
