What does American Petroleum Institute do?

The American Petroleum Institute (API) is the largest national trade association in the U.S. for the oil and natural gas industry, representing over 600 member companies involved in various sectors such as exploration, production, refining, and marketing. Founded in 1919, API has evolved into a global leader in developing industry standards and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. API's mission focuses on promoting safety and influencing public policy to support a robust U.S. oil and gas sector, which sustains nearly 11 million jobs and contributes about 8% to the U.S. economy. The organization develops and maintains over 800 standards and guidelines to enhance operational safety and environmental stewardship. Key initiatives include the API Monogram Program, which certifies manufacturers for compliance with industry standards, and Global Industry Services, which oversees training and safety programs. API also publishes industry statistics on crude oil production and refinery operations, providing valuable insights to media and government entities. With a history rooted in collaboration during World War I, API continues to foster innovation and best practices within the industry on a global scale.