October 28, 2026
Saint Paul, MN – Rep. Mary Franson, R-Alexandria, has joined fellow House Republicans in urging Gov. Tim Walz to provide immediate relief from rising diesel costs by temporarily allowing red-dyed diesel to be used on Minnesota highways without penalties.
The letter calls on Walz to follow North Dakota’s lead and provide relief from Minnesota’s 32.6-cent-per-gallon diesel tax. With diesel prices climbing above $6 per gallon, the temporary measure could help truckers, farmers, loggers and other businesses facing higher fuel costs.
“Hardworking Minnesotans and small businesses shouldn’t have to keep paying more because of rising fuel costs and government taxes,” Rep. Franson said. “The state should be looking for ways to reduce that burden, not make it harder for farmers, truckers, and employers to do their jobs. Temporarily allowing red-dyed diesel on our highways is a commonsense step toward giving Minnesotans some much-needed relief.”
