API CEO Mike Sommers Outlines Bipartisan Policies to Make, Move and Improve American Energy

WASHINGTON, January 26, 2023 – American Petroleum Institute (API) President and CEO Mike Sommers today gave remarks during the 19th Annual State of the Energy Industry Forum, hosted by the U.S. Energy Association. Sommers emphasized API’s recently announced plan for policymakers in Washington to secure a sustainable, reliable energy future and make, move and improve American energy. 

“Independent experts agree that global oil and natural gas demand will increase over the next 30 years. And nearly half of the world’s energy is expected to come from natural gas and oil in 2050. That demand will be met one way or another. If America does not meet it, it will be met by countries that do not share our security interests, environmental standards, or values,” API President and CEO Mike Sommers said. “The solutions are right here in America, and we need to seize them.”

Sommers outlined the three components of API’s policy plan unveiled during its annual State of American Energy event, during which members of Congress from both sides of the aisle voiced support for American energy leadership, including durable permitting reform to unleash energy development and an all-of-the-above approach to building a lower carbon future. 

Sommers highlighted the need increased support for energy production, including calling on the Biden administration to open areas offshore and onshore for responsible energy development. 

But, Sommers said, “More energy development counts for little if we can’t get resources to where they are needed. That means new pipelines, natural gas terminals and fuel infrastructure, and cutting the years it takes to bring them online.” He criticized recent NEPA guidance as running contrary to the bipartisan permitting reform we need, warning the new guidance could harm the development of critical energy projects. 

“Our industry is leading the innovation race. API’s Climate Action Framework, our industry’s plan to tackle the climate challenge, details how we’re doing it and what we’re doing next,” Sommers said while highlighting API’s plan to improve American energy. “The best thing we can do for the climate is produce more of America’s oil and natural gas – and share our energy and innovations with the world.”

“Americans truly want Republicans and Democrats to work together and create policies that reflect our resource abundance, skilled workforce and efforts to improve and innovate every step of the way,” Sommers said.

“API and our industry are here for it. Ready to do the work. Ready to put in the time—this year, with this administration, with this new Congress—to craft and enact bipartisan policies to make, move, and improve American energy,” Sommers concluded. 

Click here for Sommers’ full speech, as prepared for delivery.

API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports more than 11 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our approximately 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence®, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.

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