Oil and gas lobby group closes some state offices and consolidates

 

The American Petroleum Institute announced Tuesday it would consolidate its state-level advocacy work into regional offices in eight states and close offices in 15 state capitals.

The new regional teams will be based in Denver; Springfield, Ill; St. Paul, Minn.; Columbus, Ohio; Harrisburg, Pa.; Boston; Raleigh, N.C.; and Tallahassee, Fla., and are on track to be fully operational by late fall.

“The regional approach will extend API’s advocacy capabilities in a changing landscape using data targeting, campaign communications, and coalition building, and build on our partnerships with state oil and natural gas associations in key production states,” API President and CEO Mike Sommers said in an email to staff that was shared with ME. The news was first reported by the Washington Examiner.

State offices will close in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

The changes come as API has become more active in opposing policies to limit fossil fuel use promoted by climate activists across an increasing number of states and localities, such as proposals to ban fracking for oil and gas, cities banning natural gas hookups in new homes, subsidies for renewable energy and nuclear plants, and laws encouraging electric vehicles purchases. API is also fighting to support pipelines, frequently opposed by climate activists, which often cross state lines.

“Today’s announcement allows API to deliver our message of American energy progress to every corner of the country and to tackle policy challenges at every level of government,” said Bill Koetzle, API’s senior vice president of government affairs, in a statement to the Washington Examiner.

Source: POLITICO’s Morning Energy Report