WASHINGTON, August 2, 2013 – API President and CEO Jack Gerard expressed his support for the Empower States Act, which was introduced by Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Mary Landrieu (D-La.). The legislation would promote job growth and domestic energy production by upholding the effective leadership of state regulation of hydraulic fracturing.

“New shale discoveries and advanced technologies have fueled an energy revolution that is revitalizing job creation and promoting economic growth across the country. For over 60 years, state agencies have established a track record of successful oversight over hydraulic fracturing, promoting safe and responsible development of America’s oil and natural gas resources. The Empower States Act preserves the leading role of state regulators who have the experience and geological knowledge to accomplish their mission.

“This legislation recognizes that an unnecessary and duplicative layer of federal restrictions would pose a needless cost to taxpayers, could slow domestic energy production, and interfere with environmental stewardship by the states. At a time when clean-burning natural gas is helping to cut carbon emissions and lower energy costs, we should preserve the ability of states to provide effective leadership toward a more secure energy future.”

API is a national trade association that represents all segments of America’s technology-driven oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 500 members – including large integrated companies, exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms – provide most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy, delivers $86 million a day in revenue to our government, and, since 2000, has invested over $2 trillion in U.S. capital projects to advance all forms of energy, including alternatives.