WASHINGTON, February 8, 2017 - API President and CEO Jack Gerard released the following statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers implemented the final easement needed to complete the Dakota Access Pipeline.

"The Corps’ action to implement the final easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline is welcome news and shows the new direction being taken by the administration to support jobs and the rule of law in the permitting process," said Gerard. "This project went through an open and transparent permitting process that was upheld twice by the courts and we are happy to see the project on its way to completion as part of building a 21^st Century infrastructure in America.

"Private investment in our nation's energy infrastructure is a one trillion dollar proposition that could create one million jobs. Certainty in the permitting process is critical to harnessing the benefits that come from our nation's energy infrastructure so that American consumers and workers and the environment can continue to benefit from our nation's energy renaissance."

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.

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