Rep. Angela Rigas (R-Caledonia) today commended Rep. Jerry Neyer for his proactive leadership in addressing Michigan’s skyrocketing gasoline prices by urging Governor Whitmer to implement the federal EPA’s emergency fuel waiver.

“I want to thank Rep. Jerry Neyer for bringing this important issue directly to Governor Whitmer’s attention,” said Rep. Rigas. “His efforts, along with many of our colleagues, highlighted the urgent need to provide relief to families and small businesses struggling with fuel costs that have risen nearly 30 percent in recent weeks due to global disruptions.”

On March 31, Rep. Neyer, along with Rep. Rigas and a group of legislators sent a letter to the Governor calling for action to allow the sale of lower-cost fuels like E15 by addressing Michigan’s stricter Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) standards that were limiting supply in key counties.

Governor Whitmer responded by issuing Executive Order 2026-4, declaring a state of energy emergency and temporarily suspending the state’s low vapor pressure requirements to align with the EPA waiver. This action expands available fuel supply and is expected to help ease pressure on prices at the pump for Michigan motorists.

“This is a meaningful step toward delivering much-needed relief to drivers, commuters, and businesses across our state,” Rigas continued. “It also supports our farmers and the agricultural economy by increasing demand for homegrown ethanol. I’m pleased to see this targeted response to the current energy challenges.”

The executive order takes effect immediately and remains in place until conditions improve, but no later than July 1, 2026.