Membership

As the primary trade association of the oil and natural gas industry, API represents nearly 600 members involved in all aspects of petroleum. Our association draws on the experience and expertise of our members and staff to support a strong and viable oil and natural gas industry.

• Our work is member-driven.  We offer companies large and small the opportunity to participate in shaping API programs and policy priorities.
• We are a major research institute. API is committed to using the best available scientific, economic and legal analysis to guide and support our policy positions.
• We give our industry a unified voice. API's expert staff participate actively in key policy-making forums, facilitating dialogue and producing effective solutions on issues important to all Americans.
• Our organization is tailored to serve our members. API membership is divided by industry segments so companies can have direct input on the specific issues most important to them.
• The oil and natural gas industry shares a keen interest in the policy issues arena. We are actively engaged with government leaders to ensure informed decision-making so the energy needs of tomorrow are met.
• We are committed to safe and responsible operations and to continuously improving our safety and environmental performance through systems-based approaches, API’s world class standards and segment initiatives.

Membership

Membership in API is open to corporations involved in the oil and natural gas industry or that support the industry.

The API Bylaws establish the requirements for membership. They are:

• Companies engaged in the oil and natural gas industry that meet the criteria for one of the API industry segments and are incorporated in the United States or Canada or Mexico shall be eligible for membership.
• Members must pay dues for all industry segments where they own assets.
• Service and supply companies in the oil and natural gas industry with their principal office in a country other than the United States or Canada or Mexico may be admitted to membership on approval by the API Chairman and Treasurer or their designee(s).

API has five industry segments:

1. The Upstream Segment is open to companies producing oil or natural gas in the United States (vertically integrated companies may be members of more than one API segment).
   • Focuses on upstream regulatory policy, legislative issues, and industry technical standards and recommended practices.
   • Emphasizes efforts to ensure that operations are conducted in a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible manner.
2. The Natural Gas Markets Segment is open to companies producing oil or natural gas in the United States (vertically integrated companies may be members of more than one API segment).
   • Focuses on identifying policy opportunities and impediments to sustaining and growing demand for U.S. natural gas resources in targeted markets, advocating for legislative and regulatory policy and market designs that leverage the full value of natural gas.
   • Educates potential customers and decision makers on the abundance, reliability, affordability and environmental advantages of natural gas.
3. The Midstream Segment is open to companies gathering, processing, storing and transporting oil and natural gas in the United States (vertically integrated companies may be members of more than one API segment).
   • Develops policy positions for gathering, processing, storing and transportation and oversees the review of related federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
   • Identifies opportunities for technical studies and research to address issues related to development of U.S. infrastructure, use of equipment, development of operational procedures, and safety, health and environmental performance.
4. The Downstream Segment is open to companies that refine or market petroleum products in the United States (vertically integrated companies may be members of more than one API segment).
   • Provides guidance on the impact of legislative and regulatory proposals on downstream operations and provides scientific, economic, environmental, and risk analysis information on associated issues.
   • Develops standards, practices and positions that allow industry to provide products to consumers in the most safe, efficient and environmentally responsible way.
5. The Climate Committee is open to companies that are API Board Members.
• Focuses on stewarding API’s Climate Action Framework.
• Focuses on developing and maintaining API’s Climate Principles and managing API climate policy positions in a manner consistent with those Principles.
• Focuses on identifying, promoting and coordinating various industry initiatives addressing GHG emissions reduction efforts as approved by the Executive Committee and the development of new studies or industry programs.
6. The Service, Supply, and Technology Segment is open to service and supply companies that support the oil and natural gas industry, regardless of the industry segment served.  Companies eligible for membership include:
   • Manufacturers of equipment unique to industry operations.
   • Companies that provide specific industry related services that support at least one of the other industry segments, such as drilling contractors.
   • Suppliers of feedstocks that are used in the in the making of petroleum products, including lubricants.
   • Consulting firms with expertise unique to the industry.

If your organization is ready to apply for membership, please use our online application form, or download the application form (best viewed in Internet Explorer or Google Chrome).

Click here to view our fraud alerts. Please e-mail us at membership@api.org.