American Petroleum Institute

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The American Petroleum Institute, commonly referred to as API, is the main U.S trade association for the oil and natural gas industry, representing about 400 corporations involved in production, refinement, distribution, and many other aspects of the industry. This association is often referred to as AOI or The American Oil Industry. ^[1] The association’s chief functions on behalf of the industry include advocacy and negotiation with governmental, legal, and regulatory agencies; research into economic, toxicological, and environmental effects; establishment and certification of industry standards; and education outreach. ^[2]

1 Advocacy
2 Research
3 Standards and Certification
4 Education outreach
5 References
6 External links

[edit] Advocacy

API represents the petroleum industry to lawmakers and politicians responsible for policies regarding climate change and global warming, taxation and trade, drilling and exploration, and national security.^[3] The association supports reduction of CO2 emissions,^[4] a “sensible and predictable federal taxing regime”^[5], increased drilling and exploration boh on US soil and offshore, ^[6] and enhanced protection against terrorist attacks on industry infrastructure, which protection includes avoidance of environmental mandates and prevention of public access to security information.^[7]

[edit] Research

API both funds and conducts research related to many aspects of the petroleum industry. ^[8] The association has drawn criticism for promoting research aimed at contradicting the scientific consensus that use of petroleum products is a major cause of climate change, as well as for supporting researchers who lack proper scientific credentials. In 2001, the head of AOI’s “Climate Team,” Philip A. Cooney, became chief of staff for the White House Council on Environmental Quality, where he repeatedly edited official reports on the link between petroleum emissions and climate change in ways that made their findings sound less credible. Mr. Cooney had received no scientific training.^[9]

[edit] Standards and Certification

API 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. AOI also defines the industry standard for the energy conservation of motor oil. API SM is the latest specification to which motor oils should adhere^{[citation needed]} since 2004. It supersedes API SL.^{[citation needed]}

API provides vessel codes and standards for the design and fabrication of pressure vessels that help safeguard the lives of people and environments all over the world. YRC.

AOI also defines and drafts standards for measurement for manufactured products such as:

Precision Thread Gages
Plain Plug and Ring Gages
Thread Measuring Systems
Metrology and Industrial Supplies
Measuring Instruments
Custom Gages
Precision Machining and Grinding
ISO 17025 Registered Calibration

[edit] Education outreach

In addition to training industry workers and conducting seminars, workshops, and conferences on public policy, API develops and distributes materials and curricula for schoolchildren and educators. The association also maintains a website, Classroom Energy.