VIDEO: Oxfam America—Follow the Money

RWI partner Oxfam America has created a two-minute animated short, "Follow the money," to help support the Energy Security Through Transparency Act. "Follow the money" demonstrates the consequences of buying gas every day: where the money goes, and why citizens in oil-producing nations often don't see the profits when U.S. gas prices soar.

The Energy Security Through Transparency Act (S.1700) is a bipartisan bill introduced to Congress in September 2009 that would revise U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines to require oil, gas and mining companies to disclose the payments they make to governments. The Senate and House will both consider this legislation in 2010.

Revenue Watch Director Karin Lissakers said the bill is "a win-win proposition for investors and for communities in resource-rich countries," where corruption and the suspicion of corruption frequently undermine the public trust, efficient oil and mining operations, and even national stability.

LEARN MORE

• Energy Security and Industry Accountability Targeted in New Legislation by Bipartisan Senate Group
• "Follow the Money" (Oxfam America)
• Take Action: Tell Congress to Open the Books on Mining and Drilling By Supporting the Energy Security Through Transparency Act (Oxfam America)
• Background: Energy Security Through Transparency Act of 2009 (pdf, 90 KB)