Governor Jim Pillen Urges Trump to Ban Diesel Exports

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has requested that President Donald Trump impose a federal ban on diesel fuel exports to combat rising costs in Nebraska, where average prices have reached approximately $6 per gallon. President Trump stated he is seriously considering the request. To provide immediate local relief, Pillen signed executive orders increasing vehicle weight limits and granting 90-day state diesel tax refunds for vehicles transporting seasonal products or livestock.

The proposal faces significant pushback from Nebraska's federal delegation. U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts and Deb Fischer argue the ban would be an ineffective, short-term patch. Representatives Don Bacon and Adrian Smith expressed concerns regarding free-market interference and potential long-term domestic supply repercussions, though Representative Mike Flood remains open to the measure.

Adding to the opposition, former economic adviser Stephen Moore argued against the ban, claiming it would harm the oil and gas industry without lowering prices. Moore cited a Biden administration analysis to support his position and instead proposed that the government temporarily suspend ethanol and renewable requirements to reduce refining costs. He claimed this alternative could lower gasoline prices by 30 to 35 cents per gallon.