On January 14th, the American Petroleum Institute (API) held its annual State of American Energy event in Washington, D.C. Coterra Energy was there to learn about new industry developments, discover emerging initiatives, and get a robust sense of where the energy sector is heading in 2025.
The program primarily sought to influence the incoming presidential administration to adopt policies that could spell a brighter future for American energy. The presenters also congratulated George Stark, Coterra Energy’s former Director of External Affairs, on his recent retirement.
Below, we chat more about API, its relationship with Coterra Energy, and what we learned at the recent State of American Energy event.
What is API?
API was founded over 100 years ago to support America’s fledgling oil and natural gas industries. Its primary purpose is to represent American energy providers, and its over 600 members produce, process, and distribute most of the fuel we use in our homes, cars, and lives.
Over its century-long history, API has bolstered the development of the American oil and natural gas industries in a variety of ways, including by:
- Setting over 700 sector-wide standards to enhance operational safety, environmental preservation, efficiency, and sustainability.
- Supporting millions of jobs for everyday Americans across the nation.
- Conducting research into demand, environmental impact, and related factors that affect the industry as a whole.
API has been standing up and speaking for American energy providers for longer than any other organization. Every year, its State of American Energy conference gives us a clear snapshot of the industry’s health and momentum.
What is The State of American Energy Event?
Since API is so large, there’s rarely a chance for representatives of all 600+ member organizations to meet, spread ideas, and learn new standards. API hosts its annual State of American Energy event to provide such an opportunity, bringing together energy providers to share new developments and address ongoing issues within the industry.
Over the years, the event has tackled a variety of industry-specific issues, including:
- Job production
- Environmental responsibility
- Legislation
- Career pathways in the industry through Career & Technical Education
With the recent change in American leadership, 2025’s State of American Energy aimed to speak directly to the incoming administration about sensible energy policy.
What Coterra Energy Learned at The 2025 State of American Energy Event
A few of the most pressing issues the API chose to highlight in its presentation include:
- The full-scale resumption of American Light Natural Gas (LNG) production, which was paused under the previous administration.
- The continued issuance of LNG export permits, which is likewise currently on pause pending further governmental action.
- The creation of a new 5-year offshore leasing framework to support domestic oil and natural gas production in America’s territorial waters.
- Tax reform to help bolster domestic infrastructure, advance the industry, and create American jobs.
These are but a few of the concerns the API highlighted regarding the state of the industry. Coterra Energy was on hand for the entire presentation, and we gained a novel perspective on ongoing issues that affect not just us as an energy provider, but all Americans who use oil or natural gas.
As an API member, Coterra Energy stands behind API as it works to make energy safer, cheaper, and more accessible to the entire nation. What’s more, Coterra Energy’s employees have been commended for their commitment to oil and natural gas in the past and, this year, we once again received recognition for our contributions to the industry.
API Recognized George Stark for a Celebrated Career in American Energy
For 15 years, George Stark served as Coterra’s Director of External Affairs. The job had him work alongside members of API, community leaders, elected officials, and everyday citizens to set operational expectations, maintain public accountability, and ensure the energy kept flowing wherever it was needed.
Before his tenure at Coterra Energy, George had another two decades of experience in the industry, touching many lives in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania and beyond. In recognition of his commitment to the energy sector, API’s president and CEO, Mike Sommers, honored George with the API President’s Award after the State of American Energy conference.
The award is given in recognition of API’s deep appreciation for those who go above and beyond to champion the organization and the oil and gas industry at large. As George received his award, Mike had these kind words to say about his career:
“API is grateful for our partnership with Coterra, especially the ways that George, Bill desRosiers, and their whole team have partnered with our communications teams and elevated the industry narrative—whether it be organizing site visits (including my recent trip to New Mexico), identifying special guests for our annual State of American Energy, or their unwavering day-to-day support of API efforts. It was so nice to see the full team yesterday.”
George has long been an integral part of Coterra Energy’s relationship with API—he was our main liaison for communicating issues, fostering collaboration, and crafting relationships with other energy producers. George’s presence will be deeply missed at Coterra Energy, but we wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life.
More on The API and State of American Energy
Coterra Energy is a longstanding member of API and works alongside it on issues related to safety compliance, environmental regulation, and more. If you want to continue to learn about API, its history, and its ongoing initiatives, you can read more on its website.
Similarly, if you want to know more about 2025’s State of American Energy event, you can read the press release or learn about API’s Five Point Policy Roadmap.
