API Applauds House Workforce Bill to Promote Diversity in the Energy

The American Petroleum Institute strongly supports House passage of HR 4583, “To promote a 21st century energy and manufacturing workforce”. The bill will urge collaboration among federal and state governments, educational institutions, industry, and labor to encourage and promote diversity in the energy industry.

“America is the No.1 producer of oil and natural gas in the world, and we need a workforce that will help keep America competitive,” said API President and CEO Jack Gerard. “Our energy renaissance has created unprecedented opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds. Given the proper education and training, more than half a million new jobs in the industry are projected to be filled by minorities and women over the next decade and a half. These are careers that will pay well above the national average. Expanding education and workforce training programs will help ensure competitive access to these great job opportunities in underrepresented communities.”

The bill will also ask labor to craft guidelines for education and training for the workforce of the future and connect qualified applicants with jobs.

API thanked the House for approving a bill that will enhance America’s energy industry.