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 fuel cost increase averaging $4,400, with an additional rise of approximately $6,600 for the trucking aspect of logging operations.
“It’s crucial. This is bad as I’ve ever seen it. I’ve been in the industry for over 37 and a half years now,” Livingston shared. He further expressed that some logging operations have already ceased due to these costs, with some potentially facing bankruptcy.
Livingston noted that other states have taken action while Mississippi has not, describing the current situation as “very disappointing.”
Farm Bureau Federation President Mike McCormick echoed this sentiment, stating they haven’t seen sufficient progress in negotiations with the governor's office. He added, "The governor doesn't feel like he has the authority to do that... Some of the other governors had just moved ahead and made that executive order."
The groups are advocating for Reeves to call a special session if he chooses not to act alone, requesting permission to operate highway trucks on tax-free diesel typically used for off-road equipment. McCormick emphasized the inability of farmers and loggers to pass on the added fuel costs to customers.
"Farmers and loggers have no one to pass that additional expense on to," McCormick said, "We don't get to set our own prices. We’re price takers."
The governor's office has remained silent for now regarding any potential plans for fuel cost relief.