Bloomington, Ill. – October 7, 2026 – On Tuesday, October 6, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued a state disaster proclamation and signed Executive Order to provide relief on diesel fuel costs for the agriculture industry.
The Executive Order includes the following:
- Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) and Illinois State Police (ISP) have been directed not to impose state penalties when dyed diesel fuel from bulk storage is sold or used on highways and state roads for farming and agricultural purposes through December 31, 2026. IDOR will issue guidance outlining qualifying uses and documentation requirements.
- Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is directed to consider extending the Illinois Harvest Permit program into the winter, spring or summer of 2027 if diesel shortages and elevated costs persist. The program allows heavier truck weights on specified routes.
- The disaster proclamation directs state agencies to evaluate and implement additional measures to address diesel shortages and elevated costs. It also activates the governor’s authority to coordinate state personnel and resources.
“Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) thanks Governor Pritzker and his administration for taking the issue of high input prices seriously,” said Bryan Severs, ISG Chairman and Illinois farmer. “We look forward to receiving additional guidance on this issue.”
This action by the Pritzker Administration comes one day after the White House issued an Executive Order to temporarily allow off-road dyed diesel for highway use and defer the applicable federal excise tax. He also encouraged more states to adopt similar policies.
ISG is currently reviewing both the state and federal Executive Orders and looks forward to further clarification on how they will be implemented and what happens after December 31, 2026, if farmers still have dyed diesel fuel in their tanks.
ISG will continue to monitor this complex issue and provide updates.
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The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government relations efforts, while the membership program, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC actively advocates for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean farmers through promotion, advocacy, research and education with the vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure their profitability now and for future generations. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Betsy Osman
Illinois Soybean Association
betsy.osman@ilsoy.org
