Gov. Snyder issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Energy Emergency in Michigan in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
The declaration waves certain requirements of the Clean Air Act relating to the sale, distribution, and use of gasoline during the summer driving season to address fuel supply emergencies.
“With such severe impacts to the petroleum production, refining, and distribution facilities along the Gulf Coast due to Hurricane Harvey, regional petroleum supplies will be affected across the country, including Michigan,” Snyder said. “This executive order will help ensure there are no artificial shortages of fuel impacting the state’s residents or visitors.”
The order will allow the suspension of Michigan Reid vapor pressure regulations and permit the transportation and sale of motor fuels with Reid vapor pressure up to 9.0 psi in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair, Livingston, Washtenaw, Monroe, and Lenawee counties and up to 11.5 psi elsewhere in Michigan.
“In light of the impact of Hurricane Harvey, Michigan is happy to partner with the Environmental Protection Agency on the nation’s petroleum supply assurance plan,” said Valerie Brader, executive director of the Michigan Agency for Energy (MAE).
The Executive Order is effective immediately and remains in effect until it is rescinded or until 11:59 p.m. September 15, 2017.
