API Issues Statement on Confirmation of Debra Haaland as Secretary of the Interior

WASHINGTON (March 15, 2021) — The American Petroleum Institute issued the following statement from President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Sommers regarding the Senate’s vote to confirm Secretary Debra Haaland to lead the United States Department of the Interior.

“API congratulates Secretary Haaland on her historic confirmation and looks forward to working with the Department of Interior to shape the policies that will determine America’s energy future. As Secretary Haaland takes helm of a department that plays an important role in maintaining access to the nation’s vast energy resources, she faces clear choices. We can build on the significant environmental progress the nation has made while simultaneously leading the world in energy production, or we can return to the days of relying on energy from foreign nations with lower environmental standards. Secretary Haaland’s first priority should be to lift the federal leasing pause, which is creating significant uncertainty and undermining our nation’s energy security, economic growth and environmental progress. We have a shared goal for a low-carbon future, but this is the wrong approach and will only lead to more foreign energy imports from countries hostile to American interests.”

API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports more than 10 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our 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 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.