Dayton eases rules for diesel fuel

Typically, Minnesota's farmers are consumed with their harvest right about now. Only this year, they're also faced with a shortage of diesel fuel.

Noting that long lines have developed at diesel terminals across the state, Gov. Mark Dayton signed an emergency executive order Saturday that temporarily exempts truck drivers from regulations that limit the number of hours they can legally drive.

These terminals are an important cog in the distribution chain that provides diesel to farmers, who need it for farm machinery, the governor noted.

Truck drivers are limited to 14-hour days, 11 of which can be spent driving, according to John Hausladen, president of the Minnesota Trucking Association (MTA). Dayton's order means those limits will be lifted at least until Nov. 2, giving truckers a bit more flexibility.

So, for example, if the diesel terminal in Alexandria, Minn., is out of fuel, truck drivers can travel to Roseville, stock up, and head back north. "But then, you've added maybe five hours in transit, and if you've waited in line in Roseville, by the time you get your fuel and come back, you may not be able to deliver on the back end," Hausladen said.

The order does not exempt truckers from other regulations on licensing, drug and alcohol testing, and ensuring that their vehicles are safe to drive.

"Agriculture is critical in Minnesota, and trucks are critical to agriculture," Hausladen said. If farmers can't get to their needed fuel supply in a timely manner, "you have a real problem because crops are perishable."

The 10 percent mandate for biodiesel, often a byproduct of homegrown soybeans, is the highest level in the nation.

The MTA has opposed this mandate, saying costs will be ultimately passed on to consumers.