Colorado Governor Signs Executive Order Allowing Dyed Diesel on Highways, Pausing Enforcement Through Year's End
Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed an executive order on October 9 allowing dyed diesel fuel to be used on all state highways, directing state agencies to hold off enforcement through December 31, 2026. It is among the first state-level actions following President Trump's national executive order on October 5 easing diesel restrictions.
According to an October 10 industry newsletter, the governor's order directs three specific actions:
First, the Colorado Department of Transportation will issue permits allowing truckers to carry more fuel on state highways, as long as vehicles comply with all safety regulations — a move aimed at lowering the cost of delivering gasoline and diesel, with savings passed on to Coloradans.
Second, the Colorado Department of Public Safety will hold off enforcing the prohibition on dyed diesel fuel on state highways, including initiating inspections, citations or other enforcement actions based on the presence of dyed diesel, until December 31, 2026.
Third, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will ask the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to waive reformulated gasoline requirements for summer 2027 to increase supply and lower gas prices.
Dyed diesel is typically tax-exempt fuel for agricultural or off-road use, dyed red to distinguish it from on-road fuel, and traditionally banned in highway vehicles. The Polis administration says allowing its highway use and easing transport limits will help stabilize fuel supply and hold down prices ahead of harvest season and winter.
Environmental advocates have raised concerns that loosening fuel standards could worsen air pollution. The governor's office stresses the enforcement pause is temporary and the EPA waiver still needs federal approval. Forthcoming federal and state implementation details will determine the policy's real impact on Colorado fuel prices and air quality.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: GSM 行政令统一模板（科罗拉多州州长行政令）
