Michigan Governor Declares Energy Emergency as Gas Prices Soar

LANSING — In response to what she called "skyrocketing gas prices driven by tariffs and the Iran war," Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared an energy emergency on Thursday, signing Executive Order 2026-4 designed to save Michigan drivers money at the pump.

The executive order eases requirements on fuel blends, allowing for the sale of higher vapor pressure gasoline, such as E15, which are typically 10 to 20 cents cheaper than conventional gasoline. The order also suspends a May 1 requirement for lower vapor pressure gasoline in eight Michigan counties: Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair, and Lenawee.

"This is a big win for consumers as well as our corn growers here in the state," said Rep. Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd), who is one of 25 state representatives who wrote a letter to Whitmer this week calling for the waiver after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency allowed it. "This gives everyone an equal chance to save a little bit of cash. 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."

The eight affected counties are home to approximately five million people, representing nearly half of all Michigan drivers. Areas outside of these counties are already permitted to sell cheaper fuel blends without a waiver, meaning similar savings are expected statewide.

According to the governor's office, suspending the requirements in these eight counties will translate to savings for nearly half of all Michigan drivers. On average, gas in Michigan has hit $3.89 per gallon, rising roughly 30% since the summer of 2023. Drivers are paying 97 cents more per gallon than they were a month ago and 82 cents more than this time last year.

"It's been a miracle for my grandkids," said Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Cox in a separate interview, noting that states like Mississippi have improved significantly in education rankings while Michigan has declined. "That's why they call it the Mississippi Miracle."

Whitmer Cites Tariffs and Iran War as Drivers of Price Increases

Governor Whitmer attributed the dramatic rise in gas prices to both tariffs and the ongoing war with Iran, which has disrupted global oil markets and shut down the Strait of Hormuz, one of the biggest global shipping corridors for fuel.

"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," according to a release from the governor's office.

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.

"People are encouraged to reach out to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's 24-hour hotline at 1-800-MDA-Fuel to report gas pricing complaints," the release stated.

Additional Tariff Action: Whitmer Directs Agencies to Help Businesses Get Refunds

In related economic relief measures, Governor Whitmer also signed an executive directive on Friday, marking the one-year anniversary of "Liberation Day" tariffs instituted by President Donald Trump, which were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in February.

The directive instructs state departments to submit a report illustrating the way that the use of tariffs has impacted Michigan industries and consumers. It also directs state departments to ensure that businesses and employers know how to seek refunds under the process the federal government is developing.

"The president's tariffs have jacked up costs, and Michiganders have been paying the price," Whitmer said in a statement. "Now that the Supreme Court has ruled that these tariffs are illegal, it's time for Michiganders to get their money back."

The Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) welcomed the directive. "We're very grateful for the governor's support and helping bring awareness to the impacts that tariffs are having on Michiganders, both on the consumer side and the retailer side," said MRA Vice President of Communications, Vic Vega.

A recent survey from the MRA found nearly 75% of Michigan retailers reported a negative or strongly negative impact from tariffs since April 2025. More than half of Michigan retailers, 56.1%, also said uncertainty surrounding tariffs has affected their businesses, in addition to the tariffs themselves.

"The impacts really are across the board," Vega said. "Changing item pricing, changing inventory or changes to their suppliers. Other members have also shared making changes to the business processes or delaying pre-planned projects, things like maintenance or upgrades to their business, technology advancements."

Governor Whitmer Makes Numerous Board and Commission Appointments

On April 2, Governor Whitmer also announced appointments to a wide range of Michigan boards and commissions, including:

  • Electrical Administrative Board: John Pyke, of Gaylord, will be reappointed to represent master electricians serving as a supervisor for a term commencing August 1, 2026, and expiring July 31, 2030.
  • Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery: Dr. Andrew Mastay, of Grosse Pointe, will be reappointed to represent podiatrists for a term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030.
  • Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy: Natasha Wippel, of Okemos, will be appointed as a member for a term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2030.

The appointments span numerous regulatory bodies, including the Michigan Gaming Control Board, Michigan Veterans' Facility Authority Board of Directors, Michigan Historical Commission, and boards for Oakland University and Ferris State University.

Republicans Continue Campaign Push Amid Governor's Actions

While Governor Whitmer took action on economic relief measures, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Cox continued to campaign on education and tax reform. Cox told WDET he would eliminate Michigan's personal income tax, which he says would help small businesses and drive economic growth.

"When I was elected attorney general in a close statewide race, I didn't know we were about to walk into the 'lost decade,'" Cox said. "For seven or eight years we were in a one state recession. And the rest of the country joined us during the Great Recession. As you can imagine, our caseload jumped about 10%. At the same time, each and every year I was getting less money from the legislature. I had to reduce the size of my staff by 21%. No one ever does that in government. But I did it because it was required."

Cox argued that Michigan's government has grown by $31 billion over seven years under the current administration, which he says is "killing affordability here in Michigan." He called the governor's clean energy plan a "scam" that has led to the highest energy rates in the Midwest.

What This Means for Michigan Drivers

For Michigan motorists, the energy emergency declaration means access to cheaper fuel blends in counties that previously required lower vapor pressure gasoline. The waiver allows for the sale of E15 and other higher vapor pressure gasoline that typically costs 10 to 20 cents per gallon less than conventional fuel.

People are encouraged to report gas pricing complaints to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's 24-hour hotline at 1-800-MDA-Fuel.

The energy emergency comes as Michigan faces ongoing economic challenges from federal tariffs and global supply disruptions. Governor Whitmer's office says the order is designed to provide temporary relief to Michigan families struggling with rising costs on essentials, from groceries to gas.

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

Whitmer also called for continued legislative action 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."

Looking Ahead

As Michigan navigates these economic challenges, Governor Whitmer's energy emergency declaration provides immediate relief to drivers while additional state and federal actions seek to address the root causes of rising prices. The Michigan Retailers Association and other business groups have welcomed the governor's directive to help businesses understand how to get refunds from federal tariffs.

For drivers across the state, the energy emergency means more affordable fuel options and potential savings at the pump as global oil markets stabilize.