Whitmer Temporarily Eases Regulations For Cheaper Gas

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 04/02/2026) In an attempt to lower gas prices, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order declaring a state of energy emergency in Michigan to loosen requirements on fuel blends and allow for the sale of higher vapor pressure gas.

The executive order suspends the May 1 requirement for lower vapor pressure gas in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair and Lenawee counties. The higher vapor pressure is used in colder months and the lower pressure is used in hotter months, but the higher vapor blend is cheaper at the pump.

"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 said.

The Environmental Protection Agency issued a temporary waiver of federal vapor pressure requirements to allow for the production, distribution, and sale of different gas blends. Whitmer said the executive order allows the state to take advantage of the waiver.

In March and April, refineries start producing the summer blends of gas, which are higher priced, but are more energy efficient for the season. Winter blends are easier for cars to start because of the higher vapor pressure, but less environmentally friendly. May 1 is the deadline for gas stations and wholesalers to have the winter blend removed from their systems.

According to the governor’s office, the difference in price would be 10 to 20 cents cheaper.

The price of crude oil per barrel was trading at more than $110 on Thursday, an increase of more than 10% over yesterday.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has disrupted the oil market and has caused the rise of oil across the world.

The average price of gas was $3.89 in Michigan, according to AAA, while the national average was $4.08.

According to analysis by GasBuddy, gas in Detroit topped $5.28 in the summer of 2022. It was also $1.40 in Detroit during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic closures in April 2020.

The Executive Order was praised by state Rep. Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd), who sent a letter earlier this week to Whitmer asking to implement the EPA waiver to allow the state to continue to sell E15 fuel, made from corn ethanol.

“Michigan families and businesses needed relief, and I’m glad to see action taken to expand access to lower-cost fuel options. This is exactly the kind of step that helps people keep more money in their pockets,” Neyer said.

Corn growers also praised the order. Michigan Corn Growers Association President John Delmotte thanked Whitmer for the order and Neyer for sending the letter.

“The decision will benefit Michigan’s drivers by giving them access to cheaper options at the pump and benefit farmers by allowing us to use more ethanol made from Michigan-grown corn in our fuel supply,” Delmotte said.

Not all vehicles can use E15 gas. It can’t be used in vehicles manufactured before 2001, can’t be used in motorcycles, boats, off-road vehicles or small engines.

It also can’t be used in heavy-duty, non-diesel engines.