Senator Grant Hauschild and Senate Candidate Mark Legvold Demand Action To Address Diesel Prices From Washington to St.Paul 

Trump’s reckless policies have put Minnesotan workers’ livelihoods on the line

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NORTHFIELD, MN — On Friday, Senator Grant Hauschild (SD3) and State Senate candidate Mark Legvold (SD58) called on leaders in Washington and St. Paul to address skyrocketing diesel prices that are putting significant pressure on Minnesota’s agricultural, timber, trucking, and other fuel-intensive industries.

Legvold, a lifelong farmer, and Senator Hauschild, whose district accounts for the majority of Minnesota’s timber production, see firsthand how rising diesel costs are making it harder for producers to make ends meet. In response, the two are calling for a temporary red-dyed diesel exemption that would allow producers to use the fuel in vehicles used to transport goods. Under current regulations, red-dyed diesel is restricted to off-road equipment such as tractors and construction vehicles. The exemption would save farmers, loggers, truckers, and other eligible industries an estimated 32.6 cents per gallon at the pump.

Diesel prices have surged, putting even more pressure on farmers and loggers as they enter harvest season, the year’s most fuel-intensive period. Minnesota’s average diesel price has climbed above $6.30 per gallon, up significantly from approximately $3.60 per gallon at the same time last year.

For industries that rely on diesel to plant and harvest crops, operate heavy equipment, harvest timber, and transport goods, those additional costs can quickly add up. Hauschild and Legvold are urging state and federal leaders to provide immediate relief to the workers and producers who keep Minnesota’s economy moving.

“Make no mistake, Minnesota farmers are suffering as a direct consequence of reckless policies coming out of Washington,” said Legvold. “The rising cost of diesel hits working families hard, and as a farmer, I feel that pressure every day when I head to work. We need leaders who understand the sacrifices our farmers make to put food on our tables and keep our communities strong. That’s why I’m proud to be running for the Minnesota Senate, to bring the voice and experience of a farmer to St. Paul.”

“Industries across the state are feeling the squeeze of record-high diesel prices,” said Senator Hauschild. “We must act now. The men and women who grow our food, harvest our timber, and move the goods we depend on deserve our support in this difficult time. That’s why I’m calling on the executive branches to deliver immediate tax relief to the industries and workers who keep Minnesota moving.”

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