Michigan motorists will continue to have access to lower-cost gasoline through the remainder of the summer after the Michigan Legislature voted to extend Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s state of energy emergency, allowing an executive order aimed at easing fuel costs to remain in effect.
The extension preserves Executive Order 2026-4, which temporarily relaxes the state’s summer fuel requirements, enabling gas stations to sell less expensive gasoline during a period when many families are traveling, commuting to work and managing rising household expenses.
The action comes as many Michigan residents continue to feel the financial impact of higher fuel prices, which affect daily transportation costs and household budgets across the state.
“Michiganders have been grappling with high gas prices driven by the war in Iran. They’re paying a dollar more per gallon than they were three months ago,” Whitmer said.
Summer fuel blends are typically required in parts of Michigan to help reduce air pollution during warmer months. Those specialized blends often carry a higher production cost than conventional gasoline. By temporarily suspending the seasonal requirement under emergency authority, stations can sell lower-cost fuel that is more readily available.
State officials estimate the policy could save motorists between 10 and 20 cents per gallon while the order remains in effect.
“To give working families relief at the pump, I signed an executive order relaxing Michigan’s summer fuel requirements, saving Michigan motorists 10 to 20 cents per gallon at the pump by giving them access to the same lower-cost fuel already available in the rest of the state,” Whitmer said.
Under Michigan law, the governor’s emergency order required legislative approval to continue beyond July 1. Without action by lawmakers, the temporary waiver would have expired at the start of the month, ending the fuel flexibility authorized under the emergency declaration.
The Legislature’s vote ensures that the emergency declaration – and the associated fuel waiver – will remain in place through the end of the summer travel season.
“Under Michigan law, this waiver would have expired on July 1 without legislative action. Today, the legislature extended the state of energy emergency for the rest of the summer. This was the right move to lower costs for Michiganders and provide relief at the pump,” Whitmer said.
Gasoline prices influence household spending well beyond transportation. For many working families, reliable access to affordable fuel supports daily commutes, school transportation, medical appointmentsand summer travel. Lower fuel costs can also ease operating expenses for small businesses, delivery services and workers whose jobs require significant driving.
The extension arrives during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, when many Michigan residents take road trips, attend family gatherings and visit destinations across the state. Fuel costs often become a larger share of household spending during the summer months because of increased travel and seasonal activities.
The governor said the bipartisan vote demonstrates that lawmakers can work together to address issues affecting residents’ everyday lives.
“I’m grateful for partners in both chambers of the legislature who worked across the aisle to get this done. Let’s keep working together to make a difference on the issues that matter and put money back in Michiganders’ pockets,” Whitmer said.
The extension means gas stations covered by the executive order can continue selling the lower-cost gasoline authorized under the emergency declaration throughout the remainder of the summer, providing continued relief for drivers across Michigan as families manage transportation costs during the peak travel season.
