Energy confirmation hearings should focus on reinforcing America's energy renaissance

WASHINGTON, January 13, 2017 – API Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Director Marty Durbin told reporters in a press conference today that Senators considering the nominees for the departments of Interior, Energy and EPA should focus on jobs, the economy and American consumers.

“The United States leads the world in the production and refining of oil and natural gas, as well as in the reduction of carbon emissions. Federal regulatory policy can either strengthen or weaken the U.S. energy resurgence, with impacts that extend far beyond our sector. The right policies can unleash the potential of oil and natural gas production and refining to create jobs, grow the economy, reduce consumer costs, advance environmental stewardship and strengthen national security. These five pillars should guide consideration of the nominees, and energy policy discussion.

“The U.S. energy renaissance has demonstrated that it’s not only possible to balance economic growth and energy security with environmental stewardship, it should be the focus of federal regulatory policy. We stand ready to work with Congress and the new administration to continue meeting America’s energy needs and expanding global energy and environmental leadership.”

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.