With the 113th Congress about to convene and President Obama preparing to launch his second term, America’s oil and natural gas industry is ready to take a leading role in boosting the nation’s economy – largely through investments stemming from increased development of domestic oil and natural gas.

That’s the main thrust of API’s annual State of American Energy report, which details industry’s ability to create jobs, innovate and to strengthen communities through energy investments – while making its facilities and operations safer for workers and the environment. The report is scheduled for release Tuesday at an event in Washington, D.C. API President and CEO Jack Gerard:

“We are standing on the threshold of a new year, one that presents tremendous opportunities to move forward on building our economy and creating jobs for Americans who are looking for work. The oil and natural gas industry has been a bright spot in the last few years of sluggish economic growth and listless job creation, and we are ready to do more.”

Watch a webcast of this year’s State of American Energy event starting at approximately 12:05 p.m. ET Tuesday:

You can tweet energy-related questions to Jack Gerard and follow the conversation by using the event hashtag #SOAE2013.