American Petroleum Institute

The American Petroleum Institute, commonly referred to as API, is the main U.S. trade association for the oil and natural gas industry, representing more than 400 members involved in all aspects of the industry. API is involved in lobbying and government liaison on behalf of the American oil and natural gas industries. It takes positions on exploration, taxes, trade regulation, environmental regulation, sanctions, industry security and climate change. [1] The API is active in organizing opposition to laws and regulations that would limit smokestack and tailpipe pollution and reduce carbon dioxide emmissions. The API is also active in public relations efforts that claim that the greenhouse effect and global warming in general will be beneficial to society, and that the scientific consensus on the dangers of global warming are incorrect.

API University is API's comprehensive continuing education program for oil and natural gas professionals, in part on-line, such as the interactive computer-based training course "Basic Principles of Petroleum".

API also distributes more than 200,000 copies of its publications each year. The publications, technical standards, and electronic and online products are designed to help users improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their operations, comply with legislative and regulatory requirements, and safeguard health, ensure safety, and protect the environment. Each publication is overseen by a committee of leading industry professionals. API's publications are developed by member company engineers and other professionals.

For example, API 610 is the specification for centrifugal pumps, API 682 governs mechanical seals, and API 677 is the standard for gear units. API also defines the industry standard for the energy conservation of motor oil. SL is the latest specification to which motor oils should adhere since 2001.

See also

* Business action on climate change
* www.sourcewatch.org Information on API at sourcewatch.org
* http://api-ec.api.org/ API websities, one for the consumer, one for the industry professional

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