The American Petroleum Institute is pursuing a restructuring that will result in the closure of 15 state lobbying offices in favor of a regional approach, as policy fights fought by the largest U.S. oil and gas trade group have become nationalized across state lines.
American Petroleum Institute CEO Mike Sommers announced the changes in an email to staff obtained Tuesday by the Washington Examiner.
“The regional approach will extend API’s advocacy capabilities in a changing landscape using data targeting, campaign communications, and coalition building, and build on our partnerships with state oil and natural gas associations in key production states,” Sommers said.
The changes, which had been considered and planned for over a year, will result in 25 employees in state offices losing their jobs. API intends to hire a lesser number of new employees for the eight new regional offices, including in coalition building, digital targeting, and communications.
The regional offices will be based in Denver, Colorado; Springfield, Illinois; St. Paul, Minnesota; Columbus, Ohio; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Boston, Massachusetts; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Tallahassee, Florida.
State offices will close in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
API’s transition to the regional office structure will occur over several months, from the end of July through the end of September.
The changes come as API has become more active in opposing policies to limit fossil fuel use promoted by climate activists across an increasing number of states and localities, such as proposals to ban fracking for oil and gas, cities banning natural gas hookups in new homes, subsidies for renewable energy and nuclear plants, and laws encouraging electric vehicles purchases. API is also fighting to support pipelines, frequently opposed by climate activists, which often cross state lines.
“Today’s announcement allows API to deliver our message of American energy progress to every corner of the country and to tackle policy challenges at every level of government,” said Bill Koetzle, API’s senior vice president of government affairs, in a statement to the Washington Examiner.
