Whitmer asks EPA to temporarily lift climate restrictions on summer fuel

In an effort to combat price increases from recent and anticipated fuel supply disruptions, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to temporarily waive the state’s requirement that gasoline sold during the summer meet lower emissions standards.

“Michigan requests that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issue a waiver regarding reformulated gasoline regulations in Michigan. With a refinery in the region being offline due to unforeseen circumstances . . . precautionary measures must be taken to contain fuel supply disruptions and potential cost increases across the region,” the letter reads.

Michigan has a summer gasoline program outlined by the EPA, which requires the use of cleaner fuel blends and stricter ozone monitoring in the summer months in order for the state to receive federal highway funding dollars.

Due to the weather-instigated shutdown of the ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery in Illinois, which is expected to last until August, Whitmer sent a precautionary letter to the EPA requesting greater flexibility for fuel use, particularly gasoline.

“With hurricane season in full swing and a refinery outage in Illinois, we must ensure we’re taking all the steps necessary to proactively protect Michiganders’ access to fuel for their cars, homes, and businesses without delay,” Whitmer said in a release. “That’s why I am dedicated to working with the EPA to keep fuel available and affordable for Michiganders by temporarily removing barriers to ensure an adequate and stable fuel supply.”

The average price of gas in Michigan is $3.68 per gallon as of Wednesday, according to AAA, 20 cents more than the national average.

Whitmer’s letter follows a day after another effort to cut fuel prices in Michigan, with Rep. Jason Hoskins, D-Southfield, and Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia introduced House Bill 5896, a measure that would prohibit excessive pricing for energy products like gasoline during times of supply disruptions.

The bill is tied with two others that would prohibit the same kind of pricing practices in the hotel industry and regarding consumer items.