Timothy Gardner and Valerie Volcovici by Liz Hampton

DENVER/WASHINGTON – The U.S. companies that produce the most on federal lands are not expected to participate in a congressional hearing next Tuesday to examine rising energy prices. Officials said this on Tuesday. But, many oil firms have plans to be present at another hearing.

Devon Energy Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE -), EOG Resources Inc (NYSE –) and Corp (NYSE -) all declined to appear at an April 5 hearing. This was according to Raul Guilva, a Democrat representing Arizona and who has been critical about the industry.

Grijalva reported that together the companies hold 4,000 leases, covering approximately 1.5 million acres (6607,000 hectares). There are also more than 2,800 unutilized drilling permit permits.

Biden has asked energy companies to boost production to help lower gas prices. These record highs were achieved after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Grijalva stated that the hearing was held to find out why companies are not doing more to stop the rising oil prices despite their record profits.

He said that companies began pushing for drilling free for everyone as prices rose. But it was obvious their demands for more regulations were a way to increase profits.

EOG refused to comment, and Occidental didn’t immediately reply to a request to comment.

Devon Energy stated that it would attend another hearing the next day, which will address some of these same topics. This hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Committee subcommittee will feature more companies. EOG, Occidental and others were not invited to appear at the hearing.

Frank Pallone, chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee expressed concern that oil companies were keeping prices high in order to increase profits earlier this month. He also asked about more than 9000 unused drilling permits on federal land that are held by oil companies.

Pioneer Natural Resources (NYSE:), BP(NYSE:), Shell, (LON:). Exxon Mobil (NYSE: Chevron The hearing will be held on April 6. BP has confirmed that it will be attending the hearing via virtuality, but others have not responded to a request.

The Natural Resources Committee wasn’t sure whether it would subpoena companies. Grijalva explained that “we’re conducting our legal diligence prior to making any further decisions.”