From the Farm to the Grocery Store, Huizenga, Barrett, and James' Vote for Near Record Diesel Prices Is Costing Michiganders

With the Iran War passing its sixth month, diesel fuel prices are up 53% nationwide since last year. Michigan Congressmen Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Tom Barrett (MI-07), and John James (MI-10) voted against ending the conflict, even as their constituents faced painfully high gas and diesel prices. In Michigan, diesel has skyrocketed to $5.70 a gallon, up from $3.70 a gallon a year ago.

"Nearly all of our equipment is diesel-powered, and since the price of diesel keeps going up, we find ourselves doing anything we can to conserve," said Dennis, a sixth-generation farmer and member of the Michigan Farmers Union. “I have a friend who is a corn farmer who is dreading stocking up on diesel that’s almost at $6 a gallon, because it takes so much fuel to power the farm. And the longer the Iran conflict goes on, the worse it's going to get. Michigan farmers need relief to get through the harvest season.”

The spike in diesel prices has widespread consequences across industries, including farming, fishing, and construction. Michigan’s agricultural sector was hit over the summer, with farmers doing anything they could to reduce diesel consumption. And with diesel-fueled trucks transporting food from farms to grocery stores, the rise is impacting the price of grocery store items like beef. 

Between the high price of gas and groceries, Michiganders are feeling the squeeze, and Reps. John James, Bill Huizenga, and Tom Barrett have done nothing to help. Michigan Families for Fair Care is calling on them to oppose the war and lower costs so Michigan farmers and families can get some relief at the pump.