[RoBoBoy]

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today said that Americans deserve better than energy companies that gouge consumers at the pump in order to pay their top executives millions of dollars in salaries and bonuses.

Durbin demanded that top oil executives, who are scheduled to testify before the Senate tomorrow, explain to the American people why energy industry CEO compensation has increased by 215% since 2002. During that same period, oil company profits soared, while a price for a gallon of gasoline increased $2, or 174% climb, and the residential cost of a thousand cubic foot of natural gas increased about $4, about a 50% climb. (American Progress Action Fund Report, Pain at the Pump: Profits in the Boardroom)

OIL COMPANY EXECUTIVES FILL UP THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS; AMERICANS RUNNING ON EMPTY