Energy Tomorrow Blog
Climate Action Framework: Strategies for a Lower-Carbon Future
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Lem Smith
Posted May 19, 2021
President Biden has committed the U.S. to bold reductions in economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, nearly doubling our nation’s previously determined target. Policy experts have emphasized that we will need natural gas and oil to achieve these climate ambitions. …
Ushering in a lower-carbon future means addressing the growing, long-term demand for energy, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions at scale. There is no single solution to the climate challenge, but with a comprehensive, cross-sector approach, industry can work with government to drive meaningful progress.
U.S. Consumers Need Balance, Choice in Transportation Policy
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Mark Green
Posted May 18, 2021
With President Biden in Michigan promoting his $174 billion government plan to boost electric vehicles and charging stations, let’s be clear on three things:
The natural gas and oil industry doesn’t oppose electric vehicles (EVs). To the contrary, a number of API members are involved in developing technologies and infrastructure that support EV adoption.
In the U.S. free-market economy the government shouldn’t push the market and consumers toward a specific policy outcome, with mandates that limit Americans’ transportation choices.
It’s unfair to hit up taxpayers to publicly fund EVs and their charging infrastructure – without regard to whether they own an EV.
Rather, our industry supports the concept that different vehicle technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions should be allowed to compete equally for consumer and market acceptance and growth. A hallmark of the U.S. economic system is fair competition, that is determined by the ability of a technology or product to meet consumer needs affordably and reliably.
Sommers: Industry Providing Leadership on America’s Key Challenges
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Mark Green
Posted May 12, 2021
During a period of transition and change in our country, the natural gas and oil industry remains a foundation for progress, supplying the energy to run a modern economy – and doing so in ways that protect the environment and reduce emissions.
API President and CEO Mike Sommers emphasized those and related points in a speech to some of the nation’s leading energy producers at the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Sommers described the natural gas and oil industry as one that is focused on producing for the American people as well as one that’s developing technologies and innovating to address the risks of climate change. Sommers said the most important environmental movement in the world is the U.S. natural gas and oil industry.
World Bank: U.S. Leads in Global Flaring Reduction
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Mark Green
Posted May 3, 2021
The World Bank is out with its annual Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report, and there’s positive news on U.S. flaring from natural gas and oil production – underscoring industry’s commitment to reduce emissions while continuing to supply the affordable, reliable energy Americans use every day.
The report showed a 32% decrease in U.S. flaring from 2019-2020. This included decreased flaring in three key shale regions – the Permian, Bakken and Eagle Ford. Lower production last year associated with the pandemic was a factor, but the report also notes infrastructure improvements to capture and use gas that in the past would have been flared.
On Earth Day, Four Indicators of Industry-Led Environmental Progress
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Lem Smith
Posted April 22, 2021
This year, efforts to advance environmental progress and economic growth feel more urgent than ever. America’s post-pandemic recovery requires energy for transportation and everyday use, and our long-term climate goals demand immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
These dual challenges are complex but not incompatible, and with the flexibility and scope of an economywide approach, the U.S. can deliver lasting solutions for sustainable human development.
API’s recently released Climate Action Framework establishes a roadmap for public policies and industry initiatives that can accelerate economy-wide emissions reductions, while expanding access to affordable, reliable energy. America has a strong track record of climate leadership, and with ongoing investment in technological innovations and a commitment to collaboration, we can achieve meaningful results.
Providing Leadership on Climate Reporting
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Mark Green
Posted April 14, 2021
Timely, accurate reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – by our industry and all emitting sectors of the economy – is critically important for our country’s efforts to address the risks of climate change. That’s why enhancing the consistency and comparability of our industry’s GHG reporting is one of the main elements of the Climate Framework action plan API unveiled last month.
As the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) increases its focus on climate and ESG (environmental, social, governance) reporting, let’s just say that the natural gas and oil industry is on it. Not only do we see the value of reporting to stakeholders and the importance of accurate, transparent GHG reporting in developing sound, we want to drive it.
Indeed, industry is well-positioned to be a reporting leader; we’re not newcomers to it.
API's First Agreement With African Partner Extends Safety, Protection Programs to Continent
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John D. Siciliano
Posted April 5, 2021
API took an important step to extending its safety and environmental protection programs to the continent of Africa, signing a new collaborative agreement with the business group African Energy Chamber (AEC), to expand use of API world-class standards, certifications and training programs.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the AEC – API’s first agreement with an African partner – is the latest in a series of similar agreements in the past year between API and organizations in nearly every region of the world. Such agreements arise from the global recognition API standards have earned for enhancing safety, efficiency and environmental protection across the natural gas and oil industry.
Celebrating Leadership, Resilience this Women’s History Month
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Olivia Culver
Posted March 10, 2021
Every March, Women’s History Month celebrates the countless women who have changed the course of history through social movements and technological innovations. In the natural gas and oil space, women scientists, educators and other leaders have pioneered advancements that have helped drive economic growth, increased energy security and furthered environmental progress.
For example, the late MIT Professor Mildred Dresselhaus – dubbed the “Queen of Carbon Science” – was renowned for her work in carbon-nanotechnology, which has since improved the industry’s exploration and oil recovery operations.
Today, women play key roles across the industry, empowering their colleagues and preparing for a better, brighter energy future. During remarks at CERAWeek’s Women in Energy Reception, Amanda Eversole, API executive vice president and chief operating officer, highlighted the forward-looking, problem-solving approach women have brought to industry.
New API Energy Excellence Program Increases Industry Focus on Performance
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Debra Phillips
Posted February 9, 2021
Setting a high bar for industry safety and operational performance isn’t new for API. For nearly a century, API has led the way in developing standards that establish how natural gas and oil and the products made from them will be safely produced and delivered to consumers – including the operations themselves, from equipment and machinery to transportation and distribution systems.
That’s the foundation for launching the new API Energy Excellence initiative – which specifies what top performance means for safety and environmental protection, as well as security and safeguarding communities. Importantly, it also sets the expectation that every API member applies the program’s 13 core elements to accelerate safety and environmental progress in the natural gas and oil industry.
API Advances Safety and Environmental Performance through Global Collaboration
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Alexa Burr
Posted February 4, 2021
API’s new collaborative agreement with Azerbaijan’s national oil company is the latest in a series of partnerships to extend the safety and environmental benefits of our best-in-class industry standards globally.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) is the 10th MOU signed with an international institution in the past two years, extending the international network of government agencies and industry groups across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Latin America.
The result is a wider international focus and alignment on modern standards and operational technologies designed to help the natural gas and oil industry operate safely and sustainably– for workers, communities and the environment.