USA · Washington
Trump Plans Executive Actions Aimed at High Diesel Prices
In brief
President Donald Trump planned to announce executive actions on Monday aimed at lowering high diesel prices, including a Treasury review of some diesel taxes and steps to widen the use of tax-exempt dyed diesel, according to Politico.
Politico, citing three people familiar with the plans, reported that the announcement was expected during a campaign stop in Nebraska. Farmers and ranchers there have been hit by high fuel costs at harvest time. The report came days after the president said he would not ban diesel exports, an option he had repeatedly said he was considering.
According to the report, the measures include a Treasury Department review of certain diesel taxes, a push for states to increase the availability of red-dyed diesel, and a call for states to waive some fuel taxes. Dyed diesel is taxed differently and is normally limited to off-road uses such as farming and construction; the plan reportedly includes not enforcing some of those limits. Some Republican governors have already taken similar steps.
Politico said fuel prices have climbed because of the war involving Iran and Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries. Some Republicans have opposed waiving state fuel taxes, because states use that money to pay for roads.
Why it matters
Diesel powers trucks, farm machinery and freight, so its price feeds into the cost of food and goods. With midterm elections in November, fuel costs are a major political issue.
Sources
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