American Petroleum Institute (API) President and CEO Mike Sommers recently joined US Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette and business and policy leaders from across Colorado and the Mountain West for a virtual roundtable discussion on the importance of infrastructure and sound policy to putting Americans back to work and strengthening US energy security.

“As we all battle overlapping public health, economic and social crises, one thing is clear: you can count on natural gas and oil,” Sommers said. “As we work to beat back a terrible disease, this state is again ready to lead the way toward stable jobs, better schools and a stronger economy – all setting a nationwide example for a rejuvenated America.”

“But recent fights over infrastructure – delaying or entirely blocking needed projects – threaten these hard-earned energy benefits for America’s middle class,” Sommers added. “On the East Coast and across the industrial Midwest, we have seen a number of major pipeline projects blocked as legal wrangling and ribbons of red tape spiral out of control. If we aren’t careful, we soon won’t be able to build anything.”

“The US oil and gas industry, much like the rest of our economy, has faced a difficult time these past few months. In facing those challenges, President Trump’s Administration is finding solutions,” Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette said. “Over the past few months, this Administration acted quickly and has taken several steps to bring stability to global energy markets and protect American energy producers. We will continue to work with our industry partners in supporting measures to streamline energy infrastructure projects and efficiently get US energy to market.”