A new report conducted on behalf of API by Robert Shapiro of Sonecon, LLC, examines the financial impact of investments in oil and natural gas companies on the overall performance of the two largest public employee pension funds in each of four states - Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The data shows these investments sharply out-performed the funds' other assets.

In this podcast, Shapiro, the former undersecretary of commerce to President Bill Clinton, discusses the new study that builds on a 2007 Sonecon report that showed millions of Americans own oil and natural gas holdings through mutual funds, pensions, and 401(k)s. Only 1.5 percent of holdings are with corporate management.

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In mid-April, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to decide how to interpret a new law that is aimed at encouraging more transparency. The SEC's decision-making is critically important to publicly-traded oil companies. The ruling either could allow U.S.-listed oil companies to compete effectively against larger, nation-controlled oil companies for energy resources around the globe, or it could force U.S. companies to divulge information that could give a competitive advantage to companies such as the Chinese-controlled CNOOC.

In this podcast, Grant Aldonas of Split Rock International explains to API's Lisa Ceglia, how the law's good intentions could create real problems for U.S.-listed oil companies and their shareholders.

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In today's episode, I interview Brian Johnson, API's senior tax policy advisor, about the potential impact of the administration's energy tax proposals on the economy, U.S. jobs, and government revenues.

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00:17 Once again, the administration is proposing to raise taxes on the oil and natural gas industry. The President mentioned it in his State of the Union speech in January when he said he hoped to eliminate incentives that encourage the production of domestic oil and natural gas. But is that a wise move for America? Brian Johnson of API, who is very knowledgeable on tax issues, is in the studio to share his insights.

00:48 What prec... more »

In today's episode, I interview the American Council for Capital Formation's Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, Margo Thorning about the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations aimed at reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

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00:12 Starting on January 1st this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began phasing in regulations that are aimed at reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources. Those sources include hospitals, power plants, refineries and other facilities. But now serious questions are being raised about whether these regulations make sense... more »

In today's episode, I interview API's Downstream and Industry Operations Group Director Bob Greco about the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision regarding the amount of ethanol permitted in gasoline. Use the audio player below to listen to information about the article and follow along with the show notes. I hope you find the podcast informative.

00:16 Nearly every gallon of gasoline sold in America today contains ethanol. This alcohol fuel is made primarily from corn here in the United States and blended into gasoline in accord with federal guidelines. Gasoline containing no more than 10 percent ethanol has been in the marketplace for several years. But recently the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided to allow fuel containing up to 15 percent ethanol to be s... more »