WASHINGTON – API today issued the following statement: “Lifting the decades-old ban on oil and natural gas drilling is good news for the millions of American consumers who are calling for the ban to be lifted, but it is only the first step. Congress should avoid re-imposing this ban or any other obstacles to U.S. oil and natural gas resources. The federal government should finish up the work necessary to allow the oil and natural gas industry to get production flowing because the faster we move, the faster Americans enjoy the benefits of more domestic oil and natural gas supplies, new jobs and a boost to the economy.”