API - American Petroleum Institute

Who We Are

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.

Although our focus is primarily domestic, in recent years our work has expanded to include a growing international dimension, and today API is recognized around the world for its broad range of programs.

Industry Mission

API’s mission is to promote safety across the industry globally and to influence public policy in support of a strong, viable U.S. oil and natural gas industry.

As the U.S. oil and natural gas industry's primary trade association, API:

• Engages in federal and state legislative and regulatory advocacy that is based on scientific research; technical legal and economic analysis; and public issues communication.

• Provides an industry forum to develop consensus policies and collective action on issues impacting its members.

• Works collaboratively with all industry oil and gas associations, and other organizations, to enhance industry unity and effectiveness in its advocacy.

API also provides the opportunity for standards development, technical cooperation and other activities to improve the industry's competitiveness through sponsorship of self-supporting programs.

Environmental Justice

The natural gas and oil industry is essential to supporting a modern standard of living for all by ensuring that communities have access to affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy, and we are committed to working with local communities and policymakers to promote these principles across the energy sector. Our top priority remains public health and safety, and companies often have well-established policies in place for proactive community engagement and feedback aimed at fostering a culture of trust, inclusivity and transparency. We believe that all people should be treated fairly, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.

Community Outreach

API is involved with a wide variety of outreach activities and causes, from improving our local community to supporting charities that have global reach. We believe it is more than just being a good neighbor it is a fundamental responsibility to give back to those around us. From paycheck contributions to picking up a hammer, API staff members are committed to getting involved and making a difference to those around us.

Fueling Our Community is API's annual fundraising campaign. API employees support through time and donations community charities such as: Alzheimer's Association-National Capital Area; American Cancer Society; American Red Cross; Boy Scouts of America, National Capital Area Council; Capital Area Food Bank; Children's Hospital Foundation of Washington, D.C.; Eddie's Club; So Others Might Eat (SOME); Susan G. Komen National Breast Cancer Foundation; and other charities in the region. 100% of the donations go directly to the charity. Last year API contributed 50 cents on the dollar up to $100 to the charities that employees selected, even if they were not on the list of seven.

The Everybody Wins! Power Lunch Program is a privately funded reading and mentoring program in which various professionals -- from Congress, the business community, and nonprofit groups -- read once a week with disadvantaged elementary school children during the lunch hour. EW! works with teachers to select as many children as possible who are reading below grade levels, who would benefit from the attention of a caring adult, and who are not read to at home.

API has actively participated in the Power Lunch Program with our next door neighbor, Thomson Elementary School since the program’s conception during the 1995-1996 school year.