FTC Leak Targets Energy CEO Amid $60 Billion Exxon Deal, Lawmakers Demand Probe

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican lawmakers are calling for an internal Federal Trade Commission (FTC) probe to uncover the source of a leak implicating Scott Sheffield, former CEO of Pioneer Natural Resources, in alleged collusion with foreign energy producers. The accusations reportedly emerged following ExxonMobil’s $60 billion acquisition of Pioneer earlier this year.

Representatives August Pfluger (TX-11), H. Morgan Griffith (VA-09), and Jeff Duncan (SC-03) penned a letter on Nov. 19 to FTC Inspector General Andrew Katsaros. They requested an investigation into how sensitive information about Sheffield reached the media. The leak, first reported by major outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, suggested a criminal referral of Sheffield to the Department of Justice, which the FTC later denied aligning with agency policy.

The lawmakers criticized the FTC, saying, “These matters must remain confidential to protect the subjects of such investigations, as subjects can be innocent, never prosecuted, and would be harmed by similar leaks.” They further questioned the agency’s ability to safeguard sensitive information obtained through its regulatory authority.

The FTC has denied knowing who leaked the information but has asserted that its scrutiny of Sheffield was tied to allegations of collusion with OPEC to restrict oil supply. Critics, including some lawmakers, described the accusations as a “bad-faith smear” targeting Sheffield, who has publicly criticized the Biden administration’s energy policies.

In May, the FTC voted to block Sheffield from joining ExxonMobil’s board following the merger, citing regulatory concerns. Pfluger and his colleagues described the agency’s actions as an “overreach of power” and urged Katsaros to ensure accountability.

The lawmakers also sent a letter to FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan, urging action to uphold the agency’s integrity and prevent future leaks. They emphasized that the FTC’s inspector general’s mission includes preventing fraud, waste, and abuse within its operations.

ExxonMobil finalized its acquisition of Pioneer in May, consolidating its position in the U.S. energy market.