WASHINGTON - API and five other trade associations presented the views of the U.S. oil and natural gas industry on shale gas development and related issues in a joint statement submitted to the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Natural Resources for its June 4, 2009 shale gas development hearing. The joint statement said that increased shale gas development must be a major component of a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to meeting U.S. energy challenges.