Wealthy

Energy CEOs Among Highest Paid

Called before Congress to answer for high gas prices.

Here’s something to think about as you fill up the gas tank this summer. Energy executives are among the nation’s highest paid CEOs. The Associated Press weighed executive salary, bonuses, perks, and stock options, and found that Ray Irani of Occidental Petroleum was the second-best paid CEO in the country, taking home $76.1 million in 2010, while ExxonMobil’s Rex Tillerson came in at No. 18, with $21.5 million. Many other energy CEOs placed in the top 50. Five CEOs are going before Congress Thursday to answer questions about rising gas prices—above $5 a gallon in some places. Some Democrats are pushing for an end to the $4 billion in subsidies the government gives oil companies in tax breaks, while Republicans are calling for an expansion of offshore oil and gas lease sales.