The American Petroleum Institute issued the following statement from President and CEO Mike Sommers regarding the Senate’s vote to confirm Administrator Michael Regan to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“The natural gas and oil industry looks forward to working with Administrator Regan to build on the nation’s strong environmental progress while ensuring access to affordable, reliable and cleaner energy safely produced here in the United States. We are committed to partnering with the EPA to advance a commonsense, durable regulatory approach aimed at addressing the risks of climate change, protecting public health and continuing to improve air and water quality. From developing effective federal methane regulations and accelerating technological innovation to modernizing the nation’s fuels policies, there are opportunities for government and industry to work together to support our shared goal of a lower-carbon future.”

API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports more than ten million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.