North Charlotte Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues have expressed strong opposition to Senate Democrats' interference in oil and gas mergers, calling for a fair and unbiased review by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

In a letter addressed to FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan, the senators criticized the Democrats' request for an investigation into major energy acquisitions, citing misleading and false allegations. The senators emphasized the importance of conducting merger reviews based on sound economics and law to protect American consumers.

The senators highlighted the Democrats' opposition to the mergers, stating, "It is precisely because these transactions will produce more oil and gas that our Democratic colleagues oppose them." They raised concerns about the politicization of antitrust enforcement and the imposition of anti-fossil fuel policy preferences. The senators pointed out the lack of similar scrutiny towards actions by the Biden administration that impact the oil and gas industry.

In their letter, the senators urged the FTC to uphold the rule of law and due process in its review of the mergers. They called for a thorough examination rooted in facts, economic realities, and precedent, rather than partisan pressures and political agendas.

The full text of the senators' letter to the FTC can be accessed for further details on their stance against what they perceive as political meddling in oil and gas mergers.