Lansing, Michigan – Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced yesterday that the federal government has approved a significant measure to increase the supply of stable fuel for Michigan residents. This action comes in response to potential fuel and gas supply disruptions following a recent outage at an oil refinery in Illinois. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted a temporary waiver to boost fuel production in Michigan and three other Midwest states.
Governor Whitmer proactively requested the emergency fuel waiver from the EPA to mitigate potential price fluctuations due to the refinery outage, the ongoing hurricane season, and the peak of summer travel. This waiver is aimed at ensuring a stable fuel supply for Michiganders.
“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.”
EPA Waiver and Its Implications
Governor Whitmer’s letter emphasized the EPA’s capacity to waive certain fuel requirements to address shortages, as outlined by the Clean Air Act. The unexpected shutdown of the ExxonMobil refinery in Illinois, coupled with the potential for future severe weather events, led the EPA to determine that the current fuel supply situation warranted a temporary waiver. This waiver will help ensure that an adequate supply of gasoline is available in Michigan and other affected Midwest states until the normal supply is restored.
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The waiver’s objective is to keep fuel prices stable and prevent significant fluctuations that could impact residents and businesses. Governor Whitmer has committed to collaborating with the EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) to closely monitor the fuel supply situation and consider additional measures if necessary.
Background on Supply Disruptions
The ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery in Illinois unexpectedly shut down this summer due to severe weather, with the outage expected to last into August. This shutdown, combined with the anticipated severity of the 2024 hurricane season, poses risks to fuel transport from the Gulf region, potentially exacerbating supply issues.
Governor Whitmer’s proactive approach and successful request for the EPA waiver highlight the importance of federal and state cooperation in addressing fuel supply challenges. By securing this waiver, Michigan is better positioned to maintain stable fuel prices and ensure residents have reliable access to gasoline during the critical summer months and severe weather season.
For more details on the temporary waiver and its implications, additional information can be found here.