Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is directing the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to temporarily adjust its enforcement priorities involving dyed diesel fuel as rising fuel prices create additional financial pressure for the state’s agricultural and timber industries.

In a letter to ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor, Ivey said the recent increase in diesel prices has placed a particular burden on farmers and timber operators, many of whom maintain on-site supplies of dyed diesel fuel for nontaxable, off-road use.

Under the temporary directive, ALEA will prioritize commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspections involving threats to public safety rather than inspections focused on identifying the use of dyed diesel fuel in CMVs.

The change is set to remain in effect for 120 days.

Ivey also directed the Alabama Department of Revenue to request penalty relief related to dyed diesel fuel from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

“Many Alabama farmers and timber operators maintain on-site supplies of dyed diesel fuel for nontaxable, off-road use,” Ivey wrote. “Temporarily refocusing enforcement activity related to the use of dyed diesel fuel will provide meaningful relief to Alabama’s agricultural and timber industries.”

Dyed diesel, sometimes referred to as off-road diesel, is generally intended for tax-exempt uses such as agricultural and other off-road operations. Its use in taxable on-road applications is subject to federal and state regulations.

Ivey said the temporary enforcement adjustment is intended to provide relief to Alabama’s agricultural and timber sectors while allowing law enforcement agencies to focus commercial vehicle inspections on issues that present a public safety concern.