Emergency fuel waiver for Michigan

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency fuel waiver to alleviate gasoline shortages in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin following the shutdown of an ExxonMobil refinery in Joliet, Illinois, due to tornado-related power outages. This waiver temporarily lifts federal regulations regarding low Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) gasoline and reformulated gasoline requirements, effective until August 20. Gas prices in these states have surged, with Illinois seeing prices around $4 per gallon, and Michigan averaging approximately $3.69. The Joliet refinery, which can produce about 9 million gallons of fuel daily, has not resumed operations yet, contributing to supply disruptions. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other state leaders have advocated for the waiver to stabilize fuel access amidst rising prices, especially during the summer travel season. The EPA and Department of Energy are actively monitoring the situation and considering further measures to manage the fuel supply crisis.