March, 08 2022, 07:35am EDT
Media Beware: API is Trying to Cash In on Crisis in Ukraine
Today, government watchdog Accountable.US called on the American Petroleum Institute (API) to stop shamelessly using the crisis in Ukraine to baselessly attack the Biden administration's energy policies as a means for advancing Big Oil's agenda to line the pockets of wealthy oil and gas company executives.
WASHINGTON
Today, government watchdog Accountable.US called on the American Petroleum Institute (API) to stop shamelessly using the crisis in Ukraine to baselessly attack the Biden administration's energy policies as a means for advancing Big Oil's agenda to line the pockets of wealthy oil and gas company executives.
"While Americans watch the events unfolding in Ukraine and wonder what they can do to help those bearing the brunt of Russia's unprovoked invasion, the American Petroleum Institute (API) is busy attempting to use this crisis to advance their own agenda and make wealthy oil and gas company executives even richer," said Kyle Herrig, president of Accountable.US. "Rather than trying to make a quick buck by lying to the American people about the Biden administration's conservation policies, Big Oil should start telling the truth and use its billions in profits from the past year to help consumers in need."
Rhetoric v. Reality
RHETORIC: The American Petroleum Institute (API) Is Using The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine To Fearmonger And Push For Big Oil's Interests.
On The Day Russia Invaded Ukraine, API CEO Mark Sommers Called Rolling Back Regulations And Encouraging Drilling "The Most Important Move President Biden Can Make." "Here are three things President Biden can do right now to ensure access to affordable, reliable U.S. energy - and to shore up the foundation for Europe's energy security. [...] Provide clarity on natural gas and oil leasing [...] Permit energy infrastructure [...] Complete work on a long-term offshore plan [...] Europe's energy security is in the balance. Americans are fighting inflation. Right now, the most important move President Biden can make is to signal that America is positioned to provide stability and supply amid any disruption of international energy markets - and can do so without increasing costs at home." [API, 02/24/22]
API CEO Mike Sommers Painted The US Oil And Gas Industry As Key To World War II And The Current Crisis In Ukraine. "While it's unclear what lies ahead as Russia invades Ukraine, we know one thing for sure: American energy is a positive force in difficult times, helping to provide stability and security for allies abroad. [...] It's no surprise Vladimir Putin uses energy as a weapon, but as in World War II and other crises, America has Europe's back. U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities have significantly increased LNG volumes headed to Europe." [Fortune, 03/03/22]
To read the entire reality check, click here
Accountable.US is a nonpartisan watchdog that exposes corruption in public life and holds government officials and corporate special interests accountable by bringing their influence and misconduct to light. In doing so, we make way for policies that advance the interests of all Americans, not just the rich and powerful.
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