Hatcher Campaign Says Lee Extended Dyed Diesel Relief to Year-End

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has agreed to extend through the end of the year the state’s temporary dyed diesel relief for farmers and foresters, according to a release from Republican congressional candidate Charlie Hatcher’s campaign, reported by WSMV on Oct. 23. The announcement came from the campaign, not the governor’s office, and Hatcher said he had asked Lee to extend it. This report found no separate state announcement.

Lee on Oct. 2 directed state officials to suspend enforcement of the state’s dyed diesel restrictions on agriculture through the end of October, WSMV and Fox 17 reported. WSMV reported that Lee also asked the state revenue commissioner to seek penalty relief from the IRS, and that President Donald Trump signed an executive order Oct. 5 lifting the restrictions through year-end.

Under the October suspension, farmers and timber foresters could use dyed diesel on highways, with a five-mile cap on roadway use to move product from the land to storage, WSMV reported. Farmers must show their agricultural sales and use tax exemption certificate to buy it tax-free.

WSMV, citing AAA, reported that the statewide average price for diesel is $5.96, up almost $3 from a year ago.