API Statement on Confirmation of Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary

WASHINGTON, February 18, 2025 — American Petroleum Institute President and CEO Mike Sommers issued the following statement on the Senate’s confirmation of Howard Lutnick to lead the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“We congratulate Howard Lutnick on his confirmation as the next Secretary of Commerce. With decades of executive leadership experience in global markets, Secretary Lutnick brings important perspective to help grow the nation’s economy and fortify America’s competitive advantage on the world stage. We look forward to working with the department to support offshore oil and natural gas development and ensure trade policies expand our nation’s energy advantage while protecting energy affordability for consumers.”

API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports nearly 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.

###