LANSING, MI - On August 1, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer secured approval from the federal government on an action to increase the supply of stable fuel for Michiganders, protecting residents from potential fuel and gas supply disruptions following the recent outage at an oil refinery in Illinois. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted a temporary waiver to increase fuel production in Michigan and three other Midwest states. 

The action comes after Governor Whitmer sent a proactive letter to the EPA, requesting an emergency fuel waiver that will increase the supply of fuel and help mitigate price fluctuations amidst the refinery outage, the ongoing hurricane season, and as Michiganders continue to enjoy summer travel plans. 

“Today, thanks to our partners in the Biden-Harris administration, we are taking action to help secure access to a stable fuel supply for Michiganders as we head into severe weather season,” said Governor Whitmer. “The temporary waiver granted by the EPA will help us keep fuel prices stable, ensuring Michiganders can fuel their cars or heat their homes and businesses at a predictable rate. Let’s keep working together to stabilize costs and ensure Michiganders can get where they’re going and help businesses keep their products moving.”

Governor Whitmer’s letter highlighted the EPA’s ability to waive certain fuel requirements to address shortages as outlined by the Clean Air Act. Given the unexpected ExxonMobil refinery shutdown in Illinois and the potential for future severe weather events, the EPA determined that the current extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances warrant a temporary waiver to help ensure that an adequate supply of gasoline is available in Michigan and three other Midwest states, until normal supply to the region can be restored.

Governor Whitmer is committed to working with the EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) to continue actively monitoring the fuel supply situation and considering additional measures to alleviate the impact.

Background on Potential Supply Disruptions

The ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery, based in Illinois, unexpectedly shut down this summer due to severe weather, with the outage expected to last into August. The 2024 hurricane season is anticipated to be severe, potentially putting additional fuel transport from the Gulf region at risk. 

Additional information on the temporary waiver can be found here.