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Gas prices are falling nationwide, relieving Michigan drivers and signaling shifts in the global energy landscape. But what's driving this decline?
Prices at Michigan gas pumps have dropped by over a third from the record-high prices seen a couple of years ago.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), which tracks gas prices, the current average price for unleaded gasoline in Michigan is $3.15 compared to $5.22 in May 2022.
The price decrease is partly due to complicated geopolitical events.
When Russia escalated its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the global energy market was thrown into chaos. The United States and the European Union took swift action to reduce their use of Russian energy products and imposed sanctions. Sanctions on Russian energy pushed Western countries to diversify energy sources, leading to temporary price spikes.
In 2019, the United States began producing more energy than it consumed, with the percentage of exports increasing yearly.
The most recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that in 2023, U.S. energy exports reached their highest level in history.
Increasing renewable energy production is occurring at the same time as the increase in fossil fuel production; in addition to that, more efficient home appliances and electric vehicle (EV) production have propelled the U.S. and other Western countries into a more secure energy economy.
The winter season is another reason we’re seeing a decrease in prices at the pump.
Not only do cross-country vacations decrease when cold weather approaches and kids return to school, but the blend of gasoline changes from a more expensive summer concoction to a less expensive winter one.
Seasonal changes in air temperature require a change in the properties of the gasoline we use.
Winter gasoline needs to evaporate at lower temperatures for the engine to work properly, while summer gasoline needs to be inhibited from excessive evaporation during warm weather. Higher amounts of butane are added to winter gasoline to adjust its Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP), a measure of gasoline volatility at a given temperature, and since butane is a cheaper component than other gasoline products, the overall price for gasoline falls in cooler seasons.
Something to keep in mind as you hit the roads this winter is that butane volatility contributes to air pollution and smog and provides less energy than other gasoline products.
AAA recommends purchasing fuel-efficient or electric vehicles, using cruise control on the highway and avoiding rapid acceleration and braking.
The U.S. has affordable gas prices compared to much of the world. The U.S. ranks in the top quarter with the lowest gasoline prices out of a list of over 160 countries, with the bulk of less expensive gasoline occurring in Middle Eastern countries, which have an ample supply and negligible transport costs.
As gas prices drop, drivers can enjoy some financial relief heading into the holiday season. However, achieving long-term energy stability will require ongoing efforts to diversify supply, invest in renewables, and adapt to a changing global market.
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
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If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
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Relief at the pump: Why are gas prices dropping?

The City of Grand Rapids is calling on property owners and developers to submit façade revitalization projects to include in a regional grant application for state funds aimed at enhancing community spaces and infrastructure.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program will allocate $100 million statewide to qualifying projects. The City plans to submit a Regional Subgrant Program application focused on façade improvement projects within Grand Rapids.
According to Sarah Rainero, the city's economic development director, eligible applicants include individuals or entities seeking to restore or enhance building facades that impact the public realm or streetscape. The RAP program can fund up to $500,000 or 50% of eligible project costs, requiring a minimum 50% match from sub-applicants.
"Proposals will be evaluated based on the requirements of the corresponding City of Grand Rapids Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) Façade Improvement Program guidelines, RAP program application and scoring criteria of the project," Rainero said.
CIAs, established to support economic growth and revitalization in key commercial corridors, focus on infrastructure improvements, business development and enhancing the visual appeal of the areas they oversee. They provide funding guidelines and support for façade improvements to enhance streetscapes and public-facing buildings. Grand Rapids has six CIAs: Michigan Street, North Quarter, South Division-Grandville Avenue, Southtown, Uptown, WestSide.
“Whatever we end up with will still be good [because it’s] money that we didn’t have before,” said Verah Narh-Kamara, administrative analyst with the City’s economic development department, during the Nov. 14 South Division-Grandville CIA meeting.
To be considered, proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Dec. 13.
The City’s application focuses solely on façade revitalization projects. Developers with placemaking projects—which must be accessible to the public and not tied to private development—can direct their proposals to Tim Mroz, senior vice president of community development at The Right Place, via email at mrozt@rightplace.org.
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
We need your help.
If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
Please support The Rapidian and make a contribution today.

City of Grand Rapids seeks proposals for façade revitalization projects

Nearly two months after former Third Ward Commissioner Nathaniel Moody formally resigned from the Grand Rapids City Commission, the Grand Rapids Committee on Appointments has recommended three finalists to fill the vacancy.

The Committee on Appointments interviewed seven candidates — Bing Goei, the founder of the Goei Center and former CEO of Eastern Floral and Gift Shop; Marshall Kilgore, the director of engagement for the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC); John Krajewski, the principal of Hopkins Elementary School and former Grand Rapids Police Department officer; Catherine Conklin, a real estate agent for 616 Reality; Reginald Howard, the founder of Hero’s Corner Grand Rapids; Al Willis, a self-employed contractor; and Barbara Snell, a healthcare paraprofessional at Godfrey-Lee Public Schools — during a public meeting Tuesday.

Later that evening, the City announced Goei, Kilgore and Krajewski as the three finalists who will go on to be interviewed again on March 5 by the full City Commission. 

A decision may be made at that meeting, but if more time is required, the City has identified March 19 as a secondary date for casting a vote.

The City’s press release states that “public comment on the Third Ward Applicants will be welcomed” at the March 5 City Commission meeting. Residents also have the option of submitting written public comments to the Office of the City Clerk by emailing cityclerk@grcity.us.

When asked to what extent the Commission will consider public comments when making the final decision, Steve Guitar, City of Grand Rapids media relations manager, said “public comment allows a commissioner to gather and collect other sources of relevant an+d pertinent information before making the best decision on behalf of the constituents each represents.” 

Initially, nine candidates passed the City’s vetting process to fill this seat. However, two individuals, Grace Lusamba and Victor Williams, were removed from consideration because their applications did not include references, according to Guitar. 

The four-year term for this vacant position began Jan. 1, 2021, and expires Dec. 31. To remain in this position next year, the appointed candidate will need to run in the next non-partisan primary on Aug. 6.  

Residents can learn more about the Third Ward finalists by watching the livestreamed interviews on the City’s YouTube page or by reading through the candidates’ redacted applications and essays on the City's website.

The Rapidian relies on community support to cover costs of training reporters and publishing content. Please support The Rapidian to help continue educating and facilitating important community conversations for years to come.

Nearly two months after former Third Ward Commissioner Nathaniel Moody formally resigned from the Grand Rapids City Commission, the Grand Rapids Committee on Appointments has recommended three finalists to fill the vacancy.
The Committee on Appointments interviewed seven candidates — Bing Goei, the founder of the Goei Center and former CEO of Eastern Floral and Gift Shop; Marshall Kilgore, the director of engagement for the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC); John Krajewski, the principal of Hopkins Elementary School and former Grand Rapids Police Department officer; Catherine Conklin, a real estate agent for 616 Reality; Reginald Howard, the founder of Hero’s Corner Grand Rapids; Al Willis, a self-employed contractor; and Barbara Snell, a healthcare paraprofessional at Godfrey-Lee Public Schools — during a public meeting Tuesday.
Later that evening, the City announced Goei, Kilgore and Krajewski as the three finalists who will go on to be interviewed again on March 5 by the full City Commission.
A decision may be made at that meeting, but if more time is required, the City has identified March 19 as a secondary date for casting a vote.
The City’s press release states that “public comment on the Third Ward Applicants will be welcomed” at the March 5 City Commission meeting. Residents also have the option of submitting written public comments to the Office of the City Clerk by emailing [email protected].
When asked to what extent the Commission will consider public comments when making the final decision, Steve Guitar, City of Grand Rapids media relations manager, said “public comment allows a commissioner to gather and collect other sources of relevant an+d pertinent information before making the best decision on behalf of the constituents each represents.”
Initially, nine candidates passed the City’s vetting process to fill this seat. However, two individuals, Grace Lusamba and Victor Williams, were removed from consideration because their applications did not include references, according to Guitar.
The four-year term for this vacant position began Jan. 1, 2021, and expires Dec. 31. To remain in this position next year, the appointed candidate will need to run in the next non-partisan primary on Aug. 6.
Residents can learn more about the Third Ward finalists by watching the livestreamed interviews on the City’s YouTube page or by reading through the candidates’ redacted applications and essays on the City's website.
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
We need your help.
If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
Please support The Rapidian and make a contribution today.

Grand Rapids City Commission advances 3 finalists to fill vacant Third Ward seat

February 21, 2024

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