Whitmer signs executive order to support farmers as diesel prices collide with harvest
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LANSING -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of energy emergency statewide to suspend rules for certain farm and forestry vehicles in response to record-high diesel prices and ongoing supply chain disruptions stemming from the Iran War. Michigan's agricultural producers and loggers--now at the peak of harvest season--are facing severe financial strain due to tightened global fuel supplies and historic market volatility.
"The Iran War, supported by DC Republicans, continues to raise the price of everything, and exorbitant diesel prices are hitting Michigan's farmers and loggers hard right in the middle of harvest season," said Governor Whitmer. "While I can't control what's happening at the federal level, I can try to protect Michigan's economy. This order will allow farm and logging vehicles to use dyed diesel on our highways without risk of penalty. We need to keep work moving and reduce pressure on the people who keep our state's ag economy running."
The executive order temporarily authorizes motor vehicles with farm or wood harvester license plates to use dyed diesel fuel while operating on public roads by suspending specific provisions of the Motor Fuel Tax Act that prohibit the on‑road use of dyed diesel by these vehicles.
The order is effective immediately and will end no later than Dec. 31, 2026, in order to support the agriculture and forestry industries through fall harvest.