Governor Whitmer Extends Executive Order to Ensure Adequate Fuel Supplies as Part of COVID-19 Response Efforts

(May 22, 2020 5:32 PM) Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-102, which extends the temporary suspension of Michigan’s Reid Vapor Pressure standards and permits the transportation and sale of gasolines with a higher Reid vapor pressure across the state.

“Michigan has faced unprecedented times in the face of COVID-19, and businesses and workers across the state have stepped up to do their part,” said Governor Whitmer. “By extending my previous executive order, we can ensure we have the necessary supplies needed to fuel our response efforts, as well as ensure Michigan families also have affordable access so they can continue to put food on the table. We will get through this together.”

Without an extension of the summer gasoline waiver, a shortage of gasoline would result, causing higher prices at the pump and making it harder for families already struggling with the economic impacts to put food on the table. It could also cause longer lines at services stations across the state, increasing in-person interactions and putting lives at risk.

In order to reduce these hardships and suppress the spread of COVID-19, Gasoline received at retail on or before May 31 that does not meet the June 1 vapor pressure standard, as outlined in Motor Fuels Quality Act of 1984, as amended, The Motor Fuels Quality Act section 10d (MCLA 290.650D), Regulation No. 561 Dispensing Facility Vapor Pressure R285.561.2 (Rule 2) and R285.561.3 (Rule 3), or Regulation No. 564 Automotive Motor Fuel Purity, Additives, and Grading R285.564.4 (Rule 4 Table 5) may be sold through June 30, 2020.

Any gasoline received at retail on or after June 1, 2020 shall meet at time of delivery the vapor pressure requirements outlined in the Motor Fuels Quality Act of 1984, as amended, The Motor Fuels Quality Act section 10d (MCLA 290.650D), Regulation No. 561 Dispensing Facility Vapor Pressure R285.561.2 (Rule 2) and R285.561.3 (Rule 3), or Regulation No. 564 Automotive Motor Fuel Purity, Additives, and Grading R285.564.4 (Rule 4 Table 5).

Gasoline that does not meet the vapor pressure requirements, as specified above, may be introduced into terminal storage tanks until May 20, 2020. Any gasoline not meeting the requirements may continue to be distributed to retailers through May 31, 2020.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is responsible for the enforcement of the Motor Fuels Quality Act and this Executive Order.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at www.Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and www.CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

To view Executive Order 2020-102, click the link below: