Standing at the pump, watching the numbers tick away, do you ever wonder where the money goes? You're not alone: People on the other end of the pipeline are wondering too. While we feel the pinch in our pockets, citizens of oil-producing countries are often not seeing the profits.
You can help by supporting a piece of US legislation called the Energy Security Through Transparency Act, which would require oil, gas, and mining companies to publicly disclose payments made to governments. The bipartisan bill was introduced by Senators Richard Lugar, Benjamin Cardin and others in September 2009, and both the Senate and House will work to pass legislation in 2010.
With more than half of the world's poorest people living in countries rich in natural resources, this legislation would provide citizens with vital information to hold their governments accountable.
Ghana controversy shows need to spotlight shady oil deals
