American Petroleum Institute recaps 2016 activities, plots future at board meeting

The American Petroleum Institute (API) recently concluded its annual board of directors’ meeting, during which it set the tone for 2017 by determining the organization's priorities moving forward and its budget for next year.

The meeting also saw API determine internal personnel changes to allow for efficient operations, including the appointment of Marty Durbin as executive vice president and chief strategy officer. Durbin, who previously oversaw the Natural Gas Alliance's combination into API, will work on the direction of the API’s integrated advocacy programs in his new role. In other personnel changes, Louis Finkel announced that his departure from API.

API honored former Occidental CEO and Chairman Stephen Chazen at the meeting, recognizing his contributions to the energy sector.

The organization also delivered a recap of its 2016 activities, including its Vote4Energy initiative surrounding the 2016 presidential election. API participated in the Republican and Democratic conventions this summer to promote pro-energy candidates. Beyond the presidential election, API also supported a bipartisan group of pro-energy legislators facing close races throughout the country.

During the year, API also worked to advocate infrastructure and development initiatives that support the oil and natural gas industries and what it calls a common-sense regulatory approach.