Executive Order Allows Cheaper Gas Blends in Eight Southeast Michigan Counties

LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2026-4 on Thursday, declaring an energy emergency to help Michigan families cope with skyrocketing gas prices. The order will allow the sale of less expensive gasoline in eight southeast Michigan counties, potentially saving drivers 10 to 20 cents per gallon at the pump.

The emergency declaration comes as gas prices have surged to $3.89 per gallon, up from $2.99 per gallon a year ago — a 30 percent increase that represents the highest prices since the summer of 2023. Michigan drivers are now paying 97 cents per gallon more than this time last month and 82 cents per gallon more than this time last year.

What the Order Does

Executive Order 2026-4 suspends the May 1 requirement for lower vapor pressure gasoline in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair, and Lenawee counties. These eight counties account for approximately five million Michiganders, which translates to savings for nearly half of all drivers in the state.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has issued a temporary waiver of federal vapor pressure requirements to allow the production, distribution, and sale of different gasoline blends. Governor Whitmer's executive order brings Michigan state regulations in line with this federal waiver, enabling access to a broader pool of gasoline.

"The Iran war has disrupted global oil markets and shut down the Strait of Hormuz, formerly one of the biggest global shipping corridors for fuel that processed up to 21 million barrels of oil per day," the press release states. "As a result, gas prices have risen in Michigan to $3.89 per gallon, up from $2.99 per gallon — a spike of approximately 30 percent and the highest since the summer of 2023."

Governor's Rationale

In her press release, Governor Whitmer explained her decision:

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

The order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until July at the latest, or when conditions improve. Outside of the eight affected counties, Michigan drivers will see similar savings because they are already permitted to sell cheaper fuel blends without seeking a waiver.

Republican Praise

Michigan House Republicans have taken credit for Whitmer's decision. On Thursday, a group of House Republicans sent the governor a letter urging her to ease the summer fuel standards.

"Michigan families and businesses needed relief, and I'm glad to see action taken to expand access to lower-cost fuel options," Representative Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd) said in a press release. "This is exactly the kind of step that helps people keep more money in their pockets."

The order addresses the switch from winter gasoline blends to summer blends that typically occurs in May. Summer blends release fewer carbon emissions but cost more per gallon. By pausing the state's own regulations around summer fuel standards in eight southeast counties, the order allows retailers to continue selling the cheaper winter blend through the spring.

Environmental Pushback

While the order provides immediate relief for drivers, some environmental groups have expressed concern about weakening fuel standards as a response to rising prices.

Ben Poulson, state government affairs director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, criticized the approach:

"The Trump administration's energy policies are contributing to higher gas prices for Michigan families, creating real harm that states are being forced to respond to. Weakening fuel standards is not a durable solution; it simply shifts costs from the pump to our environment and communities. Michiganders need durable solutions, like accelerating electrification and reducing our dependence on volatile fossil fuels," Poulson said in a statement.

The Michigan Senate recently passed a resolution condemning the Iran war over spiking energy prices, with Democrats urging the Trump administration to reverse moves that have caused energy costs to spike, including starting a war with Iran and rolling back clean energy policies.

Consumer Protections

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). For additional information on MDARD's Motor Fuel Quality Program, visit MDARD's Gasoline Information page.

The order brings Michigan in line with the federal EPA waiver, which has been issued to allow access to a broader pool of gasoline. By enabling the sale of higher vapor pressure gasoline, the state is aligning its regulations with federal requirements and helping Michigan drivers access less expensive fuel options.

Broader Context

The energy emergency declaration reflects the impact of the war in Iran on global oil markets. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which historically processed up to 21 million barrels of oil per day. This disruption has contributed to the sharp rise in gas prices across Michigan.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has rolled back various environmental and clean energy policies, including those that would have boosted renewable energy alternatives. The combination of these factors has created a perfect storm for higher energy costs.

As Michigan families continue to grapple with rising costs across essential items, Governor Whitmer's order provides targeted relief for gas prices in the state's most populous counties. The order demonstrates the governor's willingness to use executive authority to address immediate concerns while the state waits for broader policy solutions.