Among top Nebraska officials, Gov. Jim Pillen is the only one pushing for a diesel export ban

LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen seems to be pushing for a federal diesel export ban on his own in Nebraska, as members of the state’s federal delegation oppose it or are hesitant.

Pillen sent a letter to President Donald Trump last week asking him to impose a diesel fuel export ban. Pillen’s move comes on the heels of other Republicans who have called for an export ban, feeling pressure on their reelection chances. 

Pillen also signed a pair of executive orders allowing refunds on state taxes on diesel fuel for vehicles transporting Nebraska seasonally produced products or livestock for the next 90 days and raising weight limits for those vehicles without requiring extra permits or fees. Those vehicles can also use dyed diesel on roads, but federal restrictions on using that type of diesel are still in place, according to the Rural Radio Network.

The average diesel price in the state is about $6 per gallon. It was roughly $3 per gallon last year, according to AAA. 

Trump said last week that he is “seriously considering” a diesel export ban. Some oil industry experts warned that a ban could raise gas prices.  Nebraska 1st Congressional District Rep. Mike Flood said he was open to an export ban during his debate against Democratic challenger Chris Backemeyer. But U.S. Sens. Pete Ricketts and Deb Fischer don’t think it is the right approach, their spokespeople said.

A statement from a Ricketts spokesperson said the senator “does not believe a diesel export ban will be effective and is committed to securing long-term solutions for Nebraska farmers and ranchers.” 

A spokesperson for Fischer said she believes “a diesel export ban is only a short-term patch that would not address the price consumers are paying at the pump.”

Rep. Don Bacon, who is not seeking reelection in the 2nd Congressional District, said he needs more information on the effects of any export ban, as interfering with the free market could have “unintended consequences.”

“You get this situation where people say you got to do something, but you want to make sure that doing something isn’t a negative,” Bacon told the Examiner. “I heard all the time, ‘do something’ — yeah, well, I’ve got to do something smart.”

A spokesperson for 3rd District Rep. Adrian Smith said the congressman is working for lower prices at the pump; he “recognizes the importance of balancing the need for immediate relief with policies that will support the long-term success of Nebraska’s producers. This is why he remains hesitant about government interventions, which can have prolonged repercussions on our domestic fuel supply.”

The spokesperson added that Smith will “continue to advocate for policies that provide greater certainty for producers, expand market access and strengthen opportunities for Nebraska’s agriculture industry.”