The EPA has given Michigan and three neighboring Midwest states temporary clearance to stockpile and sell types of fuel that are typically restricted during summer months.
The EPA waiver cites “extreme and unusual circumstances” that warrant suspending rules that regulate types of gasoline that evaporate quickly and contribute to smog and ozone pollution.
The fuel emergency was caused by the shutdown of ExxonMobil’s Joliet, Illinois, refinery when it lost power during a July 15 storm. While power is restored, the refinery could be offline through mid-August. Price spikes caused by the shutdown pushed Michigan’s average gasoline price to $3.69 as of Thursday, according to AAA-Michigan.
“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,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a written statement. “Let’s keep working together to stabilize costs and ensure Michiganders can get where they’re going and help businesses keep their products moving.”
Dan Scripps chairs the Michigan Public Service Commission, the state’s energy regulating agency. He said the EPA waiver will make Michigan less reliant on the Gulf Coast amid concerns that hurricanes could disrupt gas shipments.
“I think it will help to calm markets and reduce some of the volatility in prices, but it’s more of a long-term play to make sure that we’ve got that cushion, that extra layer of protection,” he said.
The EPA waiver request is from Whitmer, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. It continues through August 20.
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