"After weeks of inconsistent messaging on rising energy costs, congressional Democrats and the White House are uniting behind a strategy of blaming oil companies for high prices at the pump.

House Energy and Commerce Chair Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) announced yesterday that he’s asking executives from six oil companies to appear before his committee on April 6 with the intent of asking them why energy prices are rising.

Similarly, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) yesterday called for energy executives to testify in the Senate on charges of price gouging. The Senate hearing could find a home in the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

“I am deeply concerned that the oil industry has not taken all actions within its power to lower domestic gasoline prices and alleviate Americans’ pain at the pump,” Pallone wrote to the six oil companies. “Instead, the industry appears to be taking advantage of the crisis for its own benefit.”"

George Cahlink and Jeremy Dillon report for E&E News March 17, 2022. [2]