Texas – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller welcomed Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to waive certain restrictions on dyed diesel fuel and increase allowable truck weights, but said the measures do not go far enough to provide relief from high fuel prices.
Miller renewed his call for the state to temporarily suspend its motor fuels tax on both gasoline and diesel, arguing that Texans beyond the trucking and agriculture industries are also facing higher costs.
“I first called on Governor Abbott to temporarily suspend the motor fuels tax in April and renewed that call just last week. I’m glad the Governor is finally taking action; he must have gotten a new poll,” Miller said.
Miller said Abbott’s latest action was a positive first step but argued that the changes primarily benefit certain diesel-powered trucks rather than the broader population.
“But here’s the problem: this relief only helps certain trucks running diesel. It does nothing for the millions of hardworking Texas families filling up their cars and pickups every week,” Miller said.
He argued that high fuel prices affect more than what Texans pay at gas stations, saying increased transportation and operating costs can raise expenses for farmers, ranchers, truckers, businesses and families.
“Every Texan is feeling the squeeze because high fuel prices drive up the cost of producing our food, hauling our goods, running our businesses, and getting to work,” Miller said.
The commissioner said he is calling for the fuel tax to be suspended for everyone rather than limiting the relief to particular trucks or industries.
“So, for the third time, I’m calling on Governor Abbott to temporarily suspend the state motor fuels tax on both gasoline and diesel for everyone. Not just some trucks. Not just some industries. Everyone,” Miller said.
Miller’s comments came after Abbott announced measures intended to provide additional flexibility for Texas truckers and agricultural operations amid elevated fuel costs.
Under the changes, certain restrictions involving dyed diesel fuel would be waived, while allowable truck weights would be increased under specified circumstances.
Miller said those actions could provide some relief for farmers, ranchers and truckers but maintained that the broader economic effects of fuel prices require a statewide response.
The Texas Agriculture Commissioner has previously called for a temporary suspension of the state’s motor fuels tax, saying the measure could provide Texans with immediate relief as gasoline and diesel prices remain a concern.
Miller’s latest statement marked the third time he has called for the state to suspend the tax. He said he initially made the request in April and renewed it the previous week before Abbott announced the latest regulatory changes.
Miller framed the issue as one affecting Texans across the economy, arguing that fuel costs influence the price of transporting goods, producing food and operating businesses.
“Today’s action is a step in the right direction, but Texans need real relief at the pump,” Miller said.
He ended his statement by directly calling on Abbott to take the additional step of suspending the motor fuels tax.
“Governor, let’s finish the job. Suspend the motor fuels tax,” Miller said.
