October 12, 2026
The War in Iran has disrupted global oil markets and as a result Michiganders have faced the highest increase in year-over-year average gas prices in the United States. The federal government created this problem and can fix it. I have tried to do what I can to help lower costs. In April 2026 I issued EO 2026-4, which suspended Reid vapor pressure requirements in gasoline, temporarily lowering prices for consumers for the permissible duration.
Michigan’s farmers and loggers face unprecedented financial strain from record-high diesel prices, tight margins, and significant market volatility – costs that sometimes pass to consumers. These industries already purchase and maintain substantial supplies of dyed diesel for off-road equipment. Therefore, granting eligible highway-licensed vehicles temporary access to this fuel would provide immediate relief.
Section 1 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the governor.
Under Public Act 191 of 1982, “the governor may declare, by executive order . . . a state of emergency . . . upon the governor’s own initiative if the governor finds that an energy emergency exists or is imminent.” MCL 10.83(1). An “energy emergency” means a “condition of danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the citizens of this state due to an impending or present energy shortage.” MCL 10.81(b). Moreover, an “energy shortage” means a “lack of adequate available energy resources in the state, or any part of the state.” MCL 10.81(e).
Among other powers during a declared state of energy emergency, the governor may issue an executive order to “suspend a statute or an order or rule of a state agency or a specific provision of a statute, rule, or order, if strict compliance with the statute, rule, or order or a specific provision of the statute, rule, or order will prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the energy emergency.” MCL 10.84(c).
Therefore, acting under the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, including 1982 PA 191, MCL 10.81 to 10.87, and 1984 PA 44, MCL 290.641 et seq., I order the following:
1. A state of energy emergency is declared across the State of Michigan related to the use of vehicles.
2. Temporary use of dyed diesel fuel.
a. The provisions of Section 121 of the Motor Fuel Tax Act, 2000 PA 403, MCL 207.1121, prohibiting the sale, use, holding for sale, or holding for use of dyed diesel fuel for a use that is taxable under the Motor Fuel Tax Act, 2000 PA 403, are suspended statewide due to the emergency described in this order for a person while operating or maintaining a motor vehicle on the public roads or highways if the motor vehicle bears an unexpired farm or wood harvester license or registration plate issued under MCL 257.801(1)(c) or (d).
b. The provisions of Section 122 of the Motor Fuel Tax Act, 2000 PA 403, MCL 207.1122, prohibiting a person from operating or maintaining a motor vehicle with farm or wood harvester license plates on the public roads or highways of this state with dyed diesel fuel in the vehicle’s fuel supply tank, are suspended statewide due to the emergency described in this order for a person while operating or maintaining a motor vehicle on the public roads or highways if the motor vehicle bears an unexpired farm or wood harvester license or registration plate issued under MCL 257.801(1)(c) or (d).
c. This order does not apply to, suspend, waive, or otherwise affect or impair any tax, penalty, obligation, prohibition, duty, or other requirement imposed or arising under the Motor Fuel Tax Act, 2000 PA 403, other than as may be provided by this order. This order does not imply or grant an exception to any state laws, regulations, or requirements other than as may be provided by this order.
d. As used in this order, “dyed diesel fuel,” “motor vehicle,” and “public roads or highways” means those terms as defined in Sections 2 and 4 of the Motor Fuel Tax Act, 2000 PA 403, MCL 207.1002 and 207.1004.
e. This order applies only to the dyed diesel fuel specifically named within this order. No other petroleum products are covered by the exemptions and suspensions under this order.
3. This order is terminated at such a time as the Governor finds that the energy emergency no longer exists, but in no case later than December 31, 2026.
4. Consistent with MCL 30.405(3), a willful interference with the implementation of this order is a misdemeanor.
5. This order is effective immediately.
Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan.
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