The order, signed Wednesday by Attorney General Russell Coleman, follows a federal executive order from President Donald Trump loosening restrictions on the use of tax-exempt dyed diesel on highways.
Dyed diesel is generally restricted to off-road vehicles and farm equipment because it is exempt from certain fuel taxes. The Kentucky order allows its use on public roads through the end of the emergency or Dec. 31, 2026, when the federal order expires, whichever comes first.
The measure is intended to reduce fuel costs for farmers and truckers during the fall harvest.
“This is welcome news for Kentucky farmers,” Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said, thanking Trump, Coleman and Beshear for the action.
Beshear has taken other steps to reduce fuel costs, including freezing Kentucky’s gasoline tax at 26.4 cents per gallon rather than allowing it to rise to 27 cents in July. The administration estimated the freeze would save Kentuckians about $1.7 million per month.
