Emergency Fuel Waiver Issued for Michigan + Three Other States

As gas prices soar in Michigan, the Environmental Protection Agency is issuing an emergency fuel waiver to alleviate a possible gas shortage.

Why is Michigan Facing a Fuel Shortage?

A refinery plant in Joliet, Illinois had to be shut down last month after tornadoes and severe storms swept through the region. Although power has since been restored to the Exxon Mobil facility located about 40 miles north of Chicago, officials say it can take weeks to restart the system.

The Joliet, Illinois facility can produce about nine million gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel per day.

Beware of Apples and Oranges Placed on Gas Pumps

Gas Prices Spike After Plant Shutdown

Gas prices in Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana have spiked since the refinery's shutdown. According to AAA, gas prices in the four states affected are over $3.45 per gallon, with Illinois residents seeing prices hovering around $4 per gallon.

Emergency Waiver Issued for Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana

During the summer months, gas stations are required to sell low-Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) gasoline. Gas with higher RVP levels evaporates more easily and can add to higher pollution and smog levels.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the governors of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana requested the waiver, allowing stations to temporarily sell gas with higher RVP levels. Doing so increases the pool of available gas in order to avoid a gas shortage.

The waiver is in effect until August 20.

The Most Popular Fast Food Restaurants in Michigan

What are the most popular fast-food restaurants here in Michigan? If you're automatically assuming that the chain with the Golden Arches has the most locations, you're in for a shock.

As you take a look at the pics below, see if you can figure out which location we've featured. All pictures are from the greater Flint area, and we've left in just enough background for you to be able to make an educated guess.

The answers are below.

By the way, the ranking is based on the restaurants with the most locations in The Mitten, based on data from the Friendly City Lab at Georgia Tech. Their numbers are based on data compiled in 2021, so some numbers may have fluctuated since then.

Gallery Credit: George McIntyre

The 'Floating' House on Lake Fenton

This 4,700-square-foot home is surrounded by wetlands.

And although this home has a lot to offer, we're particularly impressed with the main bathroom. A standard toilet side by side with a bidet is a win, any day of the week.

Gallery Credit: George McIntyre