API welcomes USMCA deal, urges Congress to approve new agreement

WASHINGTON, December 10, 2019—The American Petroleum Institute (API) issued the following statement after House Democrats announced a deal with the Trump administration to finalize the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), clearing the way for congressional approval of the revised trade pact.

“We applaud the bipartisan consensus reached on USMCA,” said API President and CEO Mike Sommers. “Canada and Mexico are our top energy partners, and maintaining the tariff-free flow of natural gas, oil and refined products will help ensure that American families have continued access to affordable and reliable energy, strengthen U.S. energy leadership and grow the economy. This isn’t just about the potential impact to the U.S. energy industry—but also to small businesses, manufacturers and U.S. jobs. We urge Congress to take up and pass this bipartisan agreement.”

API joined more than 200 companies and associations covering a wide range of industries in the USMCA Coalition, which has been working to secure the agreement’s approval in Congress. The coalition’s broad membership helps illustrate the wide, positive impact of free trade across the U.S. economy.

Read more information on the importance of USMCA for U.S. economic growth and energy security here and here.

API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Our more than 600 members produce, process and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry supports more than ten million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization. In our first 100 years, API has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.