Whitmer declares energy emergency in effort to lower gas prices in Michigan
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared an energy emergency in eight Southeast Michigan counties amid rising gas prices across the state.
Whitmer's executive order temporarily suspends a fuel blend requirement in Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties and permits the sale of higher vapor pressure gasoline, which can usually cost 10 to 20 cents less. The eight counties impacted by the order are home to nearly half of the state's population.
"This is a temporary and targeted step. It does not reflect a change in Michigan's commitment to clean air or fuel standards. It is a short-term measure to address rising fuel costs and supply constraints caused by the Iran war," the executive order states.
Residents living outside of those eight Southeast Michigan counties will also see fuel savings, Whitmer says, because those counties are already allowed to sell cheaper fuel blends without a waiver.
"Right now, countless Michigan families are struggling with rising costs on the essentials, from groceries to gas," Whitmer said. "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. To provide relief, I'm issuing an executive order taking a few actions with one aim: saving drivers money at the pump."
Since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in late February, fuel prices in Michigan have spiked nearly 30%, and are currently at their highest mark since summer 2023. The war has disrupted the passage of crude through the Strait of Hormuz, where nearly 20% of the world's oil supply passes through.
As of April 2, Michigan drivers are paying an average of $3.88 per gallon for regular unleaded, according to AAA. The current national average is $4.01 per gallon.
Michiganders are paying 97 cents per gallon more than this time last month and 82 cents more than last year at this time.
