MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has directed the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to temporarily halt enforcement related to dyed diesel fuel for 120 days as farmers and timber operators face higher diesel prices during harvest season.
According to the governor’s office, dyed diesel is tax-exempt fuel normally reserved for off-road equipment and machinery. The enforcement changes took effect immediately following Ivey’s Sept. 24 directive to ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor.
In her letter, Ivey said rising fuel costs have created economic hardships across Alabama, with diesel prices having a particularly strong impact on agriculture and timber operations.
“The increase in diesel fuel prices has been particularly sharp relative to other fuel prices, directly affecting Alabama’s agricultural and timber industries. In response to these extraordinary circumstances, I am requesting that the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and other enforcement agencies temporarily adjust its enforcement priorities concerning the use of dyed diesel fuel,” Ivey wrote.
Under the directive, ALEA is instructed during the next 120 days to focus commercial motor vehicle inspections on vehicles that present a public safety threat rather than conducting inspections aimed at identifying the use of dyed diesel fuel.
The governor’s office said Alabama’s harvest season runs through Nov. 15.
“As we are in the beginning of peak harvest season in Alabama, I am committed to doing what we can to support our state’s farmers and their families,” Ivey said. “When we can responsibly provide relief, I am all for it, and this is a measured, doable and commonsense action to help out Alabama’s agricultural and timber communities.”
Taylor said ALEA will implement the directive while continuing its focus on roadway safety.
“Governor Ivey’s directive provides a practical and timely measure to support Alabama’s farmers and timber operators as they navigate the impact of increased fuel costs,” Taylor said. “These industries are vital to Alabama’s economy and to communities throughout our state. ALEA is committed to implementing the governor’s directive while maintaining our steadfast focus on public safety and ensuring Alabama’s roadways remain safe for all who travel them.”
Ivey also instructed Alabama Department of Revenue Commissioner Mary Martin Mitchell to request dyed diesel fuel penalty relief from the Internal Revenue Service. The governor’s directive itself applies to state enforcement priorities; the requested federal penalty relief would require action by the IRS.
