Congressional candidate announces TN governor is extending relief for farmers amid surging gas prices

What This Story Is About

• Gov. Bill Lee has extended the suspension of restrictions on dyed diesel in Tennessee amid high fuel prices across the state.

Why It Matters

• Gas prices remain high across Tennessee, with the current average for regular fuel at $3.83, up more than $1 compared to this time last year, per AAA. Their report also adds that the current average cost for diesel in the Volunteer State is $5.96, up almost $3 from this time last year.

What Happens Next

• The relief program, which allows farmers and foresters to use tax exempt diesel on public roads and was initially meant to last only through the end of October, will now last through the end of the year, according to Hatcher’s campaign.

For Context

• The relief program came on the heels of an order issued by President Trump that temporarily exempted federal taxes on dyed diesel for highway use.

Catch Up

• Earlier this year, Gov. Bill Lee suspended dyed diesel restrictions on the heels of President Trump’s order. Here’s what that means

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Gov. Bill Lee has extended the suspension of restrictions on dyed diesel in Tennessee amid high fuel prices across the state. The announcement came from Republican congressional candidate for Tennessee’s 5th district, Charlie Hatcher.

According to a release from Hatcher’s campaign, Lee agreed to extend the state’s temporary dyed diesel relief program through the end of the year after being contacted by Hatcher.

The relief program, which allows farmers and foresters to use tax exempt diesel on public roads, was initially supposed to last through the end of October. It came on the heels of an order issued by President Trump that temporarily exempted federal taxes on dyed diesel for highway use.

The release said Hatcher, who is a fifth-generation farmer, reviewed the program and spoke to other farmers about the program before contacting Lee to request that he extend the relief to the end of the year, to which Lee agreed.

“As a farmer myself, I understand the pressure and discomfort that has come along with recent fuel prices. Our farmers and foresters need ample time to take full advantage of the relief available to them,” Hatcher said.

“I appreciate Governor Lee’s willingness to listen and respond to the needs of those who feed, fuel, and clothe our nation. I know that every dollar matters, and I will keep working to deliver common-sense solutions for the families who keep our nation thriving. Food security is national security.”

Gas prices remain high across Tennessee with the current average for regular fuel at $3.83, up more than $1 compared to this time last year, according to AAA. Their report also adds that the current average cost for diesel in the Volunteer State is $5.96, up almost $3 from this time last year.

In Nashville, regular gas prices match the statewide average, while diesel sits higher than the statewide $5.96 average at $6.02, AAA’s report said.