Republicans, Canada urge Biden to keep open Michigan oil pipeline, amid rising energy prices

The Biden administration is still considering a request to close an oil pipeline over environmental concerns as energy prices remain high with some projected to increase this winter.  

Environmental activists in Michigan and state Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer say the pipeline – known as Line 5 – poses pollution risk to the Great Lakes. 

The  administration is studying the potential market impact of shuttering the pipeline as the oil-and-gas industry, Canadian government and at least on House Republican warn such a decision will further increase fuel prices, according to Politico.

The cost of propane in Michigan, whose residents are the country's biggest consumers, is reportedly already 50% higher than at the same time last year. 

On Sunday, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm acknowledged home heating prices will increase this winter for Americans.

"Yes, this is going to happen," she told CNN. "It will be more expensive this year than last year."

Last week, Ohio GOP Rep. Bob Latta and12 other congressional lawmakers sent a letter to Biden saying that closing Line 5 will lead to shortages and increases in the cost of energy. 

"As we enter the winter months and temperatures drop across the Midwest, the termination of Line 5 will undoubtedly further exacerbate shortages and price increases in home heating fuels like natural gas and propane at a time when Americans are already facing rapidly rising energy prices, steep home heating costs, global supply shortages, and skyrocketing gas prices," they wrote.