As we speak, dirty energy behemoth ExxonMobil is buying a Texas oil company called Pioneer Natural Resources for $60 billion.

In approving the deal — the largest oil industry merger in two decades — officials at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have barred Pioneer’s former CEO, Scott Sheffield, from serving on the board of ExxonMobil.

Why?

Because he allegedly tried to collude with OPEC — the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries — to inflate oil and gas prices, harming millions upon millions of American consumers.

In fact, the FTC has reportedly referred its allegations to the Department of Justice for potential criminal investigation.

Here’s what Tyson Slocum, director of Public Citizen’s Energy Program, told the media about this latest corporate outrage:

Congress must immediately hold hearings on Big Oil’s alleged collusion with OPEC to raise gasoline prices for Americans. The accusations that will reportedly be included in the FTC’s consent decree are explosive, pointing to efforts that would undermine the proper functioning of the global market for oil, raising prices for American consumers.

Congress must not only investigate Pioneer’s alleged role in conspiring with OPEC, but whether there existed a broader conspiracy by U.S. oil companies to collude with OPEC nations. Big Oil must be held accountable for any conspiracy by or among American oil companies and OPEC members.

Tell Congress:

Congress must hold hearings immediately on Big Oil’s alleged collusion with OPEC to raise gasoline prices for Americans. Big Oil must be held accountable for any conspiracy by or among American oil companies and OPEC members.

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