Where Is Consumer Voice in Exxon-Mobil Deal?

“Merger OK May Hinge on Sale of Calif. Assets” [March 11] on the proposed Exxon-Mobil merger--uniting two of the largest gas retailers in the U.S.--failed to mention in any detail the potential negative impacts on consumers, workers, the environment, the economy and our democracy.

This merger will lead to anti-competitive behavior at the expense of consumers, especially in the many areas where Exxon and Mobil compete directly, possibly leading to higher prices at the pump.

The merger will create an oil giant with enormous pricing and political power, able to skew critical policy debates over matters such as labor standards, global warming, opening of environmentally sensitive areas to oil exploration, government support for alternative energy sources, and corporate welfare. Approval of the Exxon-Mobil merger will encourage other mergers in the oil industry, further concentrating political power and intensifying the remaining firms’ ability to set above-market prices.

Despite this, the energy and power subcommittee of the House Commerce Committee, in hearings March 11-13, failed to hear any testimony from consumer or environmental advocates on these dangers. When will the consumers’ voices be heard? Congress should scrutinize the proposed merger in public hearings to examine the full range of implications for consumers, the environment and workers.

WENONAH HAUTER

Director, Critical Mass Energy Project

Public Citizen

Washington