Will Trump’s diesel order do anything?
This story appeared in The Logoff, a daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news take over your life. Welcome to The Logoff: Donald Trump is trying to fix the diesel crisis he caused. What’s happening? On Monday evening, Trump signed an executive order intended to lower diesel […]
Donald Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at reducing diesel prices by granting temporary access to red-dye diesel, a fuel typically used for off-road equipment and marked with red dye to distinguish it from on-road diesel. This order defers payment on federal taxes for red-dye diesel used in on-road vehicles until the end of the year, while also directing his Cabinet to explore ways to eventually eliminate the obligation to pay these taxes.
The context of this move is the soaring diesel prices due to the Iran war, which have risen from $3.68 per gallon a year ago to $6.32 per gallon nationally. While this order may not significantly lower prices for a variety of reasons, it is particularly significant for agriculture-heavy states like Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas, where high diesel costs could jeopardize Republican Senate seats.
Trump's campaign tactic in Nebraska, a state usually leaning Republican, could also affect the upcoming midterm elections.
Written by urgent.news from Vox's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
