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Whitmer Declares Energy Emergency in Effort to Lower Gas Prices in Michigan
- On Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared an energy emergency in eight Southeast Michigan counties, suspending summer fuel rules through Executive Order 2026-4. The move allows gas stations to continue selling lower-cost fuel blends.
- Rising fuel costs stem from the Iran war, which disrupted crude passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping corridor. Michigan prices jumped to $3.88 per gallon, marking a roughly 30% increase since late February.
- Roughly 5 million residents across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair, and Lenawee counties benefit from the order. Whitmer's office anticipates a 10 to 20 cent reduction in pump prices across the eight counties.
- Aligning with the Environmental Protection Agency's federal waiver announced last week, the governor's order brings Michigan into line with national policy. This temporary measure remains in effect until the emergency ends or, at the latest, July 1.
- Mark Griffin, president of the Michigan Petroleum Association, noted that regional fuel requirements were established in 1993 when the region had more factories and pollution-prone power plants. He suggested consistent Midwest fuel blends could provide long-term cost benefits.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Whitmer declares energy emergency as Iran war spikes gas prices
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) declared an energy emergency in Michigan counties on Thursday, citing the Iran war’s impact on gas prices. “As governor, I can’t end a war overseas or undo bad policies at the federal level that led to higher gas prices, but I will do what I can to try to give families a break,” Whitmer said in a statement. “To provide relief, I’m issuing an executive order taking a few actions with one aim: saving drivers money at …
Whitmer eases restrictions on fuel blends in bid to quell rising gas prices
There are only 2,300 gas stations nationwide that offer a 15% ethanol blend, compared to the more than 140,000 gas stations across the U.S. | Sean Rayford/Getty ImagesMichigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday issued an executive order declaring an energy emergency in the state amid rising fuel prices prompted by the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran. The order eases requirements on certain fuel blends, allowing for the sale of higher vapor press…
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