OREANDA-NEWS. The American Petroleum Institute today announced the creation of a Midstream Department that will focus on issues related to energy infrastructure and the transportation of oil and natural gas. Harry Pefanis, president and COO of Plains All American, will chair the committee made up of API member company representatives that will oversee the work of the Midstream Department.

"In order for America's oil and natural gas renaissance to continue, we need a world class infrastructure system to deliver that energy to consumers," said API President and CEO Jack Gerard. "Creating a division within our organization focused on midstream issues will enable the industry to address the critical issues around energy infrastructure."

The Midstream Department will encompass API's policy work on the transportation of oil and natural gas by pipelines, rail, ship and other methods. These areas were previously split between API's Upstream and Downstream departments. Robin Rorick, who has nearly 20 years of experience in the oil and natural gas industry, will lead the department as Group Director of Midstream and Industry Operations.

"American families and businesses rely on oil and natural gas every day, and it takes a strong and diverse supply chain to meet America's needs," said Rorick. "Every method of transportation that we use has an important role to play in the safe, reliable and efficient movement of oil and natural gas from the wellhead to consumers."

Rorick joined API in 1996 and for the last five years has worked as API's Director of Marine and Security, with responsibility for maritime transportation issues and emergency response. A graduate of the College of William and Mary and then later Johns Hopkins University, Rorick lives with his family in Fairfax, Virginia.

API represents all segments of America's oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 625 members produce, process, and distribute most of the nation's energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy.