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API welcomes Interior’s efforts to make timely decisions on oil and gas project permitting


Sabrina Fang | 202.682.8114 | fangs@api.org


WASHINGTON, July 6, 2017 – Today, the American Petroleum Institute welcomed Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s order to expedite the oil and gas permitting process on federal lands. Streamlining permitting processes and decisions will improve confidence to invest in federal energy projects that will create jobs and benefit consumers.

“We applaud the administration’s steps to help strengthen the United States’ energy position,” said API Upstream and Industry Operations Group Director Erik Milito. “A key component of a successful policy is repairing the federal permitting process so that companies have the confidence to invest and see their projects move forward.”

U.S. production of natural gas on private and state lands was up 55 percent from 2010-2015, and crude oil production on private and state lands rose 113 percent during that same time period, according to the Congressional Research Service. However, on federal lands, production was essentially flat or declining. Crude oil production was up only 1 percent while natural gas production was down 27 percent during the same period.

“Today’s action is an important recognition of the benefits of responsible development on federal lands, which make up nearly a third of U.S. territory. We look forward to working with the administration on smart policies that unlock investment and improve regulatory uncertainty for businesses, and ensure environmental stewardship. We stand ready to work with the Department of the Interior to make this a reality.”

API previously called for action to responsibly unlock U.S. resources on federal land. In addition, API maintains more than 200 standards for safety, reliability and environment protection for exploration and production activities.

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. Our members provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 40 million Americans.

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