The American Petroleum Institute, commonly referred to as API, is the main U.S.
trade association for the oil and natural gas industry, representing about 400 corporations involved in
production,
refinement,
distribution, and many other aspects of the industry. The association’s chief functions on behalf of the industry include
advocacy and
negotiation with governmental, legal, and regulatory agencies;
research into economic, toxicological, and environmental effects; establishment and certification of industry standards; and
education outreach.
See more at Wikipedia.org...