Rural Lawmakers Call for Temporary Fuel Relief for Tennessee Farmers and Loggers

10/02/2026 Page Walley

State Sen. Ken Yager (R-Kingston) has expressed his support for Sen. Page Walley’s (R-Bolivar) request that Gov. Bill Lee support a temporary dyed diesel fuel tax exemption to help Tennessee farmers, loggers and agricultural and forestry haulers facing rising operating costs.

In a September 29 letter to Lee, Yager backed Walley’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of agriculture and forestry to rural Tennessee. Both senators represent rural communities where these industries support local jobs and livelihoods.

“Farmers and loggers are essential to our rural communities, and rising fuel and operating costs are putting additional pressure on their livelihoods,” said Yager. “I appreciate Senator Walley bringing this issue forward and support his effort to provide temporary relief. We must continue working together to support the industries that sustain rural Tennessee.”

Walley’s September 25 letter called for a one-time exemption allowing qualifying farmers, loggers and agricultural and forestry haulers to use tax-exempt dyed diesel fuel in vehicles operating on Tennessee roads and highways as part of their farming and logging operations through at least November 15, 2026.

Walley asked Lee to work with the Tennessee Department of Revenue and the General Assembly to identify and implement the appropriate legal mechanism for the temporary exemption. He also called for evaluating long-term solutions to address the challenges facing agricultural and forestry producers.

Yager pledged to continue working with Walley and the administration on issues affecting rural communities and Tennessee’s agricultural and forestry industries.