The American Petroleum Institute (API) and America’s Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA) will combine into a single trade association effective Jan. 1 following the approval of both of the boards of directors. The combined association will continue ANGA’s mission under API. “There is a natural synergy between our organizations,” said Jack Gerard, API CEO.

“As a single organization, the combined skills and capabilities bring an enhanced advocacy strength to natural gas market development—ANGA’s primary mission—and the combined associations’ expanded membership will provide additional lift to API’s ongoing efforts on important public policy issues.”

Under the agreement, ANGA’s mission to promote natural gas as a clean, affordable solution to America’s energy and environmental needs will be handled by a new market development group at API. The team will be led by current ANGA president Marty Durbin. ANGA members who are not already members of API will become full members. “Marty will be essential to our continued, and now combined, efforts to advance natural gas market development and I am pleased to welcome him back to API in this new role,” said Gerard. “And we welcome ANGA members to full participation in API’s industry-wide activities.”

API and ANGA have long collaborated to highlight environmental, job creation, energy security, and consumer benefits from abundant and affordable supplies of natural gas. “ANGA was founded in 2009 at the beginning of the shale energy revolution, and its members were visionary regarding the benefits natural gas would bring to our energy supply and our economy,” said Durbin, who will hold the title of executive director of market development under the combined association. “Combining these two associations continues that vision by recognizing how best to organize for maximum effect. I look forward to combining forces to drive even greater utilization of abundant, clean-burning, and affordable natural gas.”