Advocacy News – Aug. 31, 2022
Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency and issued an executive order temporarily lifting various rules this past weekend after a fire and ensuing power outage resulted in the closure of a BP oil refinery in Indiana. The refinery, located in Whiting, Ind., is the sixth largest operation in the nation and accounts for approximately 20% to 25% of the refined gasoline, jet fuel and diesel used collectively by Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration similarly declared a state of emergency for the Midwest region, providing temporary drive-time exemption to truckers working to address any fuel shortages. The emergency declaration is in effect until Sept. 10, or until the situation is no longer deemed an emergency.
The collective actions are intended to help ensure the gas supply is ample and accessible.
Industry and market experts have predicted that the shutdown is unlikely to have a major effect on gas prices at the pump in the region. Current estimates project that the refinery may be back up and running as soon as Labor Day Weekend.
For questions or more information, contact Mike Alaimo at malaimo@michamber.com