Governor Whitmer Declares Energy Emergency to Lower Gas Prices as West Michigan Drivers Face $3.89 Pump

Governor Whitmer Declares Energy Emergency to Lower Gas Prices as West Michigan Drivers Face $3.89 Per Gallon

LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued Executive Order 2026-4, declaring an energy emergency in response to what she called "skyrocketing gas prices driven by tariffs and the Iran war." The executive order comes as Michigan motorists face the highest gas prices in nearly three years, with the average pump price reaching $3.89 per gallon.

The order will save Michigan drivers money at the gas pump by easing restrictions on fuel blends, allowing for the sale of higher vapor pressure gasoline that is typically 10 to 20 cents cheaper per gallon.

Rising Costs Hit West Michigan Households

According to the governor's office, gas prices have jumped to $3.89 per gallon, up from $2.99 per gallon just a month ago. This represents a roughly 30 percent increase. West Michigan residents are now paying 97 cents more per gallon than they were a month ago and 82 cents more than this time last year.

"The Iran war has thrown global oil markets into turmoil, shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, once one of the world's busiest fuel shipping corridors, handling up to 21 million barrels of oil per day," the governor's release stated. "The ripple effects hit Michigan motorists hard."

For West Michigan families, the impact is felt daily. A typical family driving 1,200 miles per month — roughly what a Grand Rapids to Chicago round trip plus local commuting looks like — would pay an additional $360 per year at current prices compared to last month's rates.

What The Executive Order Does

Executive Order 2026-4 suspends the May 1 requirement for lower vapor pressure gasoline in eight Michigan counties:

• Wayne
• Oakland
• Macomb
• Washtenaw
• Livingston
• Monroe
• St. Clair
• Lenawee

These eight counties are home to approximately five million residents, nearly half of all drivers in the state. While West Michigan counties like Kent, Kalamazoo, Ottawa, and Allegany are not specifically listed, the governor noted that areas outside of these counties are already permitted to sell cheaper fuel blends without a waiver, meaning similar savings are expected statewide.

"Right now, countless Michigan families are struggling with rising costs on the essentials, from groceries to gas," Governor 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."

Federal Waiver Aligns State Policy

The executive order follows action at the federal level. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a temporary waiver suspending federal vapor pressure requirements, clearing the way for the production, distribution, and sale of a wider range of gasoline blends.

Executive Order 2026-4 aligns Michigan with that federal waiver, expanding the pool of available gasoline and driving down costs for motorists across the state.

Anyone who suspects problems at the pump is encouraged to call MDARD's 24-hour hotline for reporting complaints: 1-800-MDA-FUEL (1-800-632-3835).

Governor Calls for Budget Action

The governor used the announcement to urge the state legislature to continue passing tax cuts for working families and retirees. She also called for property tax relief for seniors and a sales tax holiday on school supplies.

"This is yet another reason the legislature needs to pass a budget that continues tax cuts for working families and retirees, delivers property tax relief for seniors, and gives Michigan families a sales tax holiday on school supplies," Whitmer said. "Let's keep working together to lower costs and provide relief."

What Drivers Can Expect

The executive order brings Michigan in line with the EPA waiver, enabling access to a broader pool of gasoline and saving motorists money. Drivers outside of the eight affected counties will see similar savings because they are already permitted to sell cheaper fuel blends without seeking a waiver.

For West Michigan residents filling up at gas stations in Kent, Ottawa, Allegany, or Kalamazoo counties, the savings should begin immediately as stations switch to the less expensive fuel blends that have been available to them all along.

The governor's office emphasized that this emergency order is a temporary measure designed to provide immediate relief while the state works through the ongoing challenges of federal policy and international conflicts that are driving up energy costs.