Michigan Congressman Wants Gas Price Investigation
MICHIGAN (CBS Detroit) As Michigan's gas prices spiked -- again -- in anticipation of the Labor Day holiday, U.S. Rep. John D. Dingell (D-15th District) is calling for an investigation.
Prices hovered at $3.97 per gallon in Ann Arbor, an uptick of more than 14 cents in just the last few days, and Dingell is asking the U.S. Energy Information Administration to investigate why they're so high in southeast Michigan, where gas prices are well above the national average.
Experts have blamed pipeline and refinery problems, but Dingell wants to know more. The congressman sent a letter to EIA Administrator Adam Sieminski urging the agency to examine factors that may be increasing gas prices for southeast Michigan consumers at the pump.
"I understand there may be a number of factors contributing to these high prices," said Dingell. "The EIA has the know how to help us figure out the root problem of the high prices in southeast Michigan. Their answers will help inform Congress and the American people as to what actions, if any, can be taken by Federal, state, or local governments, by the petroleum industry, or by other entities to lower prices."
According to the Aug. 20, 2012 gasoline release, the EIA puts the national average at $3.74 a gallon, while the average for the region that includes Michigan was at $3.76.
Dingell said one of his major concerns is that gas prices throughout his District currently range from $3.90 to $4, much higher than the EIA release and far higher than those predicted by EIA in late May and early June. Dingell outlined a number of questions for the EIA that he wants answered to determine the problem and get started finding direction on a solution.
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