Agriculture and Forestry Groups Press Gov. Reeves for Fuel Relief
Leaders from Mississippi’s agriculture and forestry industries are calling on Gov. Tate Reeves for fuel relief as 22 agriculture and forestry groups have petitioned the governor.
David Livingston, executive director of the Mississippi Loggers Association, stated that in-woods machines are experiencing a significant increase in fuel costs, averaging $4,400, with an additional $6,600 for trucking operations.
“It’s crucial. This is bad as I’ve ever seen it... some logging operations have already shut down because of the costs.” Livingston expressed.
He noted that other states have taken action while Mississippi has not, leaving the industry disappointed.
Farm Bureau Federation President Mike McCormick echoed this sentiment, stating they haven’t made significant progress in talks with the governor's office, as he believes the governor lacks the authority to intervene.
The groups are advocating for permission to use tax-free diesel normally reserved for off-road equipment on highway trucks, a measure they believe is necessary if the governor does not act alone. McCormick emphasized that farmers and loggers cannot pass these increased costs onto customers.
The governor's office has yet to respond to a request for comment regarding any potential plans for fuel cost relief.