Governor Whitmer Declares Energy Emergency to Lower Gas Prices, Suspends Fuel Blend Rules for Half of Michigan

Executive Order Brings Relief for 5 Million Michigan Drivers

LANSING — In response to skyrocketing gas prices driven by the Iran war and federal tariffs, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared an energy emergency, allowing gas stations across Michigan to sell cheaper fuel blends that would normally be prohibited during the summer.

The executive order, issued Thursday, April 2, 2026, suspends Michigan's lower vapor pressure gasoline requirements in eight southeastern counties, including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair, and Lenawee. This action will benefit approximately 5 million residents, or nearly half of all Michigan drivers.

Higher Gas Prices Hit Michigan Hard

As of April 2, 2026, the average price of regular gasoline in Michigan reached $3.89 per gallon, representing a 30 percent increase since the summer of 2023. Prices have surged to their highest levels since 2023, with many families already struggling with inflation and the economic impact of federal tariffs.

The war with Iran has disrupted global oil markets by threatening key transportation routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical shipping corridors for fuel. The conflict also jeopardizes the production capacity of key oil exporters, tightening fuel supply worldwide.

What the Order Does

The energy emergency declaration allows Michigan to continue using higher vapor pressure gasoline, commonly known as E15, which typically costs 10 to 20 cents per gallon less than the lower vapor pressure fuel required during summer months. This action also brings Michigan in line with a temporary federal waiver issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which will take effect on May 1, 2026.

Under normal state law, the eight southeastern counties must switch to a 7 pounds per square inch lower vapor pressure gasoline from June 1 through September 15 each year. The blend was originally designed to address the region's history of poor air quality, which was exacerbated by factories and power plants. However, the governor noted that these requirements are less relevant in today's cleaner environment.

"This is a temporary and targeted step. It does not reflect a change in Michigan's commitment to clean air or fuel standards," the executive order states. "It is a short-term measure to address rising fuel costs and supply constraints caused by the Iran war."

Economic Impact for West Michigan

The order suspends the fuel blend requirements in eight southeastern counties, but it also has implications for West Michigan residents. While the immediate savings apply primarily to drivers in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor, the action signals a broader approach to managing rising fuel costs across the state.

Governor Whitmer's decision allows gas stations throughout Michigan to distribute and sell gasoline that meets the RVP limits specified in the EPA waiver, including fuel produced or in storage before the effective date of the waiver. This flexibility means West Michigan consumers may see similar pricing benefits as the federal waiver takes effect on May 1.

The executive order affects approximately five million people, but the governor noted that similar price relief could extend to other parts of Michigan as fuel suppliers adjust their inventories and pricing strategies.

Support from State Lawmakers

The order received support from state representatives who have been pushing for the federal waiver that allows higher vapor pressure gasoline. Rep. Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd), one of 25 state representatives who wrote a letter to Whitmer this week, called it a "big win for consumers as well as our corn growers here in the state."

"This gives everyone an equal chance to save a little bit of cash," Neyer said. "It also will help out sure up the market and promote ethanol production here in the state and allow our farmers to benefit from a little bit, perhaps a little higher price for their corn."

E-15 sales are already allowed outside of southeastern Michigan, but the order brings the high-population Metro Detroit region in line with the rest of the state.

What About West Michigan?

For West Michigan residents, the immediate impact is indirect but potentially significant. The governor's order aligns Michigan state law with the upcoming federal waiver, which means gas stations across the state, including those in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Holland, and Battle Creek, will have more flexibility in how they source and price their fuel.

The federal EPA waiver, announced last week, temporarily waives federal vapor pressure requirements throughout the nation starting May 1. By suspending state-level RVP requirements in eight counties, the governor is bringing Michigan closer to the federal standard, which could facilitate more consistent pricing and availability across the entire state.

No Impact on Road Funding

During the announcement, some questioned whether the governor would consider suspending Michigan's 52.4-cent per gallon gas tax, which would provide additional savings but halt millions of dollars in tax revenue meant to fund road projects. State lawmakers have yet to express serious interest in pursuing such a measure, and the governor has vetoed similar proposals in the past, noting they lack sufficient legislative support.

During a similar gas price spike in April 2022, state lawmakers attempted to suspend the gas tax for six months, but Whitmer vetoed the measure at the time.

Looking Ahead

The governor's emergency order is described as temporary and will remain in effect until the circumstances giving rise to the energy emergency end, or at the latest, on July 1. The order does not reflect a change in Michigan's commitment to clean air or fuel standards, but rather serves as a short-term measure to address immediate consumer concerns about rising fuel costs.

For West Michigan families and businesses that rely heavily on transportation, the order represents hope that the state is taking meaningful steps to provide relief. While the immediate savings apply to drivers in the eight southeastern counties, the alignment with federal standards and the signal to fuel suppliers suggest that broader price relief may follow.

As the federal waiver takes effect on May 1, Michigan consumers across the state, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Muskegon, may see the impact of this emergency declaration in their gas prices and the availability of lower-cost fuel options.