Industry groups are seeking temporary approval to use off-road diesel on public highways and backing efforts to suspend the federal diesel tax amid fuel supply concerns.
The South Carolina Forestry Association says its request to allow logging trucks and forestry equipment to use off-road diesel on public roads has been put on hold.
According to the association, Governor Henry McMaster’s office informed forestry leaders September 29 that the White House has asked states to pause diesel-related actions while federal officials work on a nationwide solution to the fuel crisis.
Forestry leaders had requested an executive order that would temporarily allow the use of red-dyed diesel on public highways.
Red-dyed diesel is regular diesel fuel marked with a red dye to identify it as fuel intended for off-road equipment such as tractors, logging machinery and other heavy equipment. Because it is exempt from certain highway taxes, it generally cannot be used in vehicles operating on public roads unless a special waiver is granted.
The association said it is working with Cody Simpson, a former Trump administration official and Republican nominee for Commissioner of Agriculture, to seek federal relief.
One proposal would allow red-dyed diesel fuel to be used legally on public highways during the current fuel crisis. Supporters say the change would help forestry companies keep trucks and equipment operating if supplies of highway diesel become limited.
The Forestry Association is also urging Congress to support legislation introduced by Congressman Russell Fry that would temporarily suspend the federal diesel fuel tax to help reduce costs for businesses that rely heavily on diesel.
Forestry officials say they will continue advocating for solutions as fuel supply concerns and rising costs affect logging and transportation operations.
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