EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 2026-15 Declaration of State of Energy Emergency

Key claim: The governor declared a statewide energy emergency and temporarily allowed eligible highway-licensed vehicles to use dyed (off-road) diesel to ease record diesel prices.

Abstract

EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 2026-15 Declaration of State of Energy Emergency News State Orders and Directives 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©. 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. Th

Why this matters

Dyed diesel is normally reserved for off-road use and is untaxed; allowing on-road use expands available supply and can relieve pump prices during a supply crunch. The declaration is time-limited emergency relief rather than a durable change to Michigan fuel-tax or air-quality rules, so its practical effect depends on how long the emergency remains in force.

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