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API: BLM proposal recognizes opportunity to ensure public lands can support economic growth, job creation and greater environmental benefits


Reid Porter | porterr@api.org | 202.682.8114



WASHINGTON, September 25, 2017 – The American Petroleum Institute (API) submitted comments today on BLM’s Hydraulic Fracturing rule and expressed support for a regulatory framework that relies upon the experience and expertise of state regulatory agencies in advancing safety and environmental protection.

“BLM’s proposal recognizes the strong track record of state governments in promoting safety and environmental protection, while stimulating economic activity through natural gas and oil projects,” said API Director of Upstream and Industry Operations Erik Milito. “By working with and relying upon state regulatory agencies, BLM is able to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach and duplicative regulation that could stifle, rather than spur, investment in domestic energy production.

Hydraulic fracturing is an advanced engineering technology that has existed for more than 65 years, and the catalyst behind the re-emergence of the United States as a leading global producer of natural gas and oil. Hydraulic fracturing has unleashed abundant, affordable supplies of natural gas, and this has helped the U.S. reduce carbon emissions from the power sector to near 30-year lows. Hydraulic fracturing provides significant environmental benefits because, among other things, it is protective of groundwater resources and results in a smaller surface footprint. We look forward to continuing to work with government and other stakeholders to advance the mutual goal of safety and environmental protection.”

The full comment letter on the 2015 BLM rule containing details on the additional costs, regulatory uncertainty and how the rule could discourage investments on BLM-managed lands by operators and drillers, stunting economic growth and reducing job opportunities – especially in western states – is available on API’s website.

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 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 40 million Americans.

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