Morrisey's Red-Dyed Diesel Order Is More Political Gimmick Than Meaningful Relief

For Immediate Release October 21

Morrisey's Red-Dyed Diesel Order Is More Political Gimmick Than Meaningful Relief

Governor's Election-Eve Announcement Leaves Ordinary West Virginians Paying High Gas Prices While Ignoring Proposal for a Gas Tax Holiday

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Democratic Party today criticized Governor Patrick Morrisey's executive order temporarily allowing red-dyed diesel fuel to be used in commercial highway vehicles for 60 days, calling the announcement a largely symbolic election-eve maneuver designed to create the appearance of action while doing little to address the soaring fuel prices hurting West Virginia families.

The Governor claims his order could save commercial operators 20.5 cents per gallon. But there's a practical problem: Most conventional highway truck stops are not equipped to dispense red-dyed diesel fuel, making it difficult for many commercial drivers to take advantage of the temporary exemption. According to petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan, only about one in 100 truckers can access the fuel.  “The problem is, first of all, is that dyed diesel is a specialty product.  Generally it appears in rural areas where there are many farmers, not at gas stations.”  

The Energy Marketers of America has also cautioned fuel retailers about complications associated with the temporary change. The organization warns that red dye can remain in vehicle tanks and retail fuel storage systems for weeks, potentially creating compliance problems when normal enforcement resumes. Fuel marketers have also been advised to consider contractual restrictions, recordkeeping requirements, and unresolved federal tax liabilities.

"This is another example of Governor Morrisey choosing a political stunt over meaningful relief," said West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin. "Truckers and commercial vehicle operators deserve relief at the pump, but an executive order doesn't do much good if they can't find a place to buy the fuel. It's more style over substance, announced just two weeks before an election."

"Meanwhile, Democrats have had a proposal on the table since April to suspend the state gas tax and provide real savings to every West Virginian who fills up their tank," Pushkin continued. "Governor Morrisey and his Republican allies in the Legislature have ignored it. Apparently, helping working families isn't nearly as important as staging another press conference."

Pushkin also criticized President Donald Trump's priorities as the war in Iran continues to drive up fuel prices.

"If President Trump is serious about providing relief at the pump, perhaps he could shift his attention away from renovating golf courses, reflecting pools, concert venues, ballrooms, and monuments to himself and focus on ending his war of choice in Iran," Pushkin said. "West Virginians are paying the price for that war every time they fill up their cars and trucks."

House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, who joined fellow House Democrats in proposing a temporary suspension of the state gasoline tax in April, said the Governor continues to ignore the most immediate problem facing West Virginia motorists.

"West Virginians deserve real solutions to real problems," Hornbuckle said. "The elephant in the room is that people can't afford regular gasoline to get to and from work. That's what this Governor is ignoring, and we've been ready since April to help solve this problem."

Unlike Morrisey's limited diesel order, the Democratic proposal would temporarily suspend the state's motor fuel tax when prices exceed a predetermined threshold, providing direct relief to everyday motorists while making provisions to protect funding for highway maintenance.

"West Virginians don't need another election-eve photo opportunity," Pushkin concluded. "They need lower gas prices, lower grocery bills, and a Governor who spends more time solving their problems than trying to improve his negative political image."

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