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Soy Growers Support Fuel Tank Exemption for Farmers

Mar 05, 2015

The American Soybean Association joined 20 other agricultural organizations in a letter supporting legislation to eliminate a regulation that requires agriculture industry professionals to obtain a hazardous material endorsement before transporting diesel fuel for agricultural operations.

U.S. Senators Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and by Representatives Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas) and Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) are introducing the legislation.

The legislation exempts farmers and agribusiness participants from the requirement to obtain a hazardous material endorsement, while operating a service vehicle carrying diesel fuel in quantities of 1,000 gallons or less, if the tank containing diesel fuel is clearly marked. Under current regulations, any driver transporting more than 119 gallons of diesel fuel is required to obtain a Hazardous Materials endorsement on their Class A CDL.  The legislation was introduced in the last Congress, but was not enacted.

Exempted parties would include all custom harvesters, agriculture retailers, agriculture business employees, agriculture cooperative employees, or agriculture producers who hold a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

The letters can be viewed here.