The American Petroleum Institute (API) has presented 42 pages of memos to 10 agencies in the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, outlining proposals for bolstering U.S. energy dominance and insulating the sector from tariffs.
API’s Recommendations for a Durable Energy Policy
The API is pushing for:
- No Tariffs on Crude or Essential Products: API is urging Trump to not impose duties on crude oil, natural gas, or essential products that cannot be sourced domestically.
- Easing Regulations: API is advocating for the repeal or easing of a range of regulations, including air quality standards and pollution mandates from power plants, cars, and heavy-duty vehicles.
- Methane Rules: The group is urging Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency to take a lighter touch when it comes to a rule limiting releases of methane from oil and gas infrastructure.
- Pipeline Safety Standards: API is recommending the advancement of a new rule governing pipelines that transport carbon dioxide as a gas, not in a liquid form.
- More Auctions for Oil and Gas Leases: The API is holding more auctions for leases on federal lands and waters, including a sale for blocks in the Gulf of Mexico next year.
API’s Concerns about Tariffs and Regulations
The oil industry is bracing for tariffs that Trump has vowed to levy on a range of goods, fearing they’ll raise the cost of materials used for wells, pipelines, and refineries. The API is also concerned about the prospect of duties on crude itself flowing into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico.
"We’re not just talking about jobs and economic growth," said API’s CEO, Terry Williams. "We’re talking about keeping consumer prices low."
API’s Request for a Durable Energy Policy
The API is seeking a durable energy policy that will ensure the long-term success of the oil industry in the United States.
"This blueprint is the recipe for a durable energy policy under President Trump," said Sommers. "We’re hopeful that it will survive, no matter who the president of the United States is far into the future."
API’s Recommendations at a Glance
- Advance a new rule governing pipelines that transport carbon dioxide as a gas
- Hold more auctions for oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters
- Repeal Biden-era restrictions on development in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska
- Not impose tariffs on crude, natural gas, or essential products
- Ease regulations, including air quality standards and pollution mandates
API’s Concerns about Tariffs and Regulations at a Glance
- Tariffs will raise the cost of materials used for wells, pipelines, and refineries
- Duties on crude itself flowing into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico will harm refineries
The API’s recommendations are aimed at ensuring the long-term success of the oil industry in the United States.
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