American Petroleum Institute (API)

Founded in 1919, the American Petroleum Institute (API) is a Washington, D.C.-based not-for-profit trade association representing all segments of the U.S. oil and natural gas industry. Its membership includes companies operating across exploration, production, refining, pipelines, marine transportation, equipment supply, and related services. API's activities focus on public policy advocacy, industry research, workforce development, certification programs, and standards development. The API maintains various technical standards and recommended practices used throughout the global petroleum and petrochemical sectors, many of which have been incorporated into regulatory frameworks and international standards.