WASHINGTON, November 20, 2013 – Erik Milito, API’s director of upstream and industry operations, welcomed passage of House legislation, H.R. 2728, that would promote job growth and domestic energy production by preserving the effective leadership of state regulation of hydraulic fracturing.

“Hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling are safe, proven technologies that have allowed the U.S. to outpace Russia as the world’s number one producer of oil and natural gas,” said Milito. “Job growth, energy security, and government revenue are all rising due to the U.S. energy revolution, and state regulators are in the best position to preserve America’s progress while protecting our natural resources with rules tailored to local hydrology, geology, and natural resources.

“Hydraulic fracturing’s 60-year track record of safety -- achieved under the stewardship of state regulators -- has been recognized by both current and former Obama administration officials, and this legislation will preserve state leadership against unnecessary or duplicative federal regulations. We welcome House passage of H.R. 2728, and we urge the Senate to quickly consider this common-sense legislation.”

API is a national trade association that represents all segments of America’s technology-driven oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 550 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 and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of over 15 million Americans. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy, delivers $85 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.