Stein Directs Diesel Penalty Relief for Farmers Amid Record Fuel Prices, Through Year's End
RALEIGH — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein took action last week directing the state Department of Revenue to provide penalty relief for highway use of red-dyed diesel, effective through the end of 2026, to help farmers cope with record diesel prices.
The North Carolina Farm Bureau said diesel hit $6.25 per gallon in the state this September — a record high. Dyed diesel is normally restricted to off-road farm use, and highway use carries heavy penalties; the relief means farmers will not be fined for using dyed diesel when driving on highways in emergencies.
Farm Bureau president Shawn Harding applauded the move, calling it "a victory for agriculture." The Governor's office said it has also secured federal penalty relief, giving farmers protection at both levels.
This relief is separate from the gasoline tax cut bill moving through the legislature — the latter is a legislative tax measure, while this one is a direct executive penalty waiver by the Governor.
Sources: Office of the Governor; N.C. Farm Bureau; EIN Presswire (Oct. 8 report)
Source: 北卡罗来纳州州长办公室
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：北卡罗来纳州议会大厦（罗利）。摄影：Jim Bowen，CC BY 2.0，来源：Wikimedia Commons
