OREANDA-NEWS. The American Petroleum Institute today announced the establishment of a Colorado Petroleum Council that will focus on energy priorities in the state, including hydraulic fracturing and energy infrastructure, as the state seeks to create jobs, generate more revenue to the government, and produce more domestic energy. In making this announcement, API also has hired Tracee Bentley, a former Colorado state official, to lead API's new office as executive director.

"Colorado is at the forefront of American's energy renaissance," said API President and CEO Jack Gerard. "The right energy policies are essential to maintain strong economic growth, which energy development is generating across the state. Bipartisan cooperation among state government officials and business and consumer groups to address critical energy development issues will ensure Colorado remains a leader in creating energy jobs. Tracee Bentley is ideally positioned to lead our industry's efforts, now and into the future."

A Colorado native, Bentley most recently served in the office of Governor John Hickenlooper as legislative director and as a senior advisor on energy and agricultural issues. Previously, Bentley served in the Colorado Energy Office as deputy director of policy and legislative affairs. She also served as Director of National Affairs with the Colorado Farm Bureau. Bentley earned her Bachelor of Arts and her Master of Arts from Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

"I'm thrilled to work with the dynamic API team on the exciting energy opportunities in Colorado that are transforming our state into a leader in domestic energy production," Bentley said. "With smart, pro-energy policies, we can create thousands of good-paying jobs, send more revenue to the government to help support our schools, and make Colorado and America more energy secure."

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.