Oil and Gas Organizations Key Terms

Get familiar with oil and gas organizations
By Kimberly Huber Oil and gas organizations are interested in assisting the oil and gas industry with professional development, higher standards and industry growth. These organizations offer networking and lobbying opportunities for industry professionals. The oil and gas organizations also use scientific, legal and economic studies to determine trends and challenges in the industry, as well as for upcoming policy debates. To understand these issues, you have to understand the different types of organizations within the industry and where industry standards come from.

ANSI, or American National Standards Institute

The ANSI is a nonprofit organization that coordinates the formation of guidelines and standards in U.S. business practices. It also oversees accrediting programs to promote voluntary conformity to these standards. ANSI certifies and accredits gas and oil products and personnel, energy-distribution systems and products, and personnel in many other industries.
Try:  See American National Standards Institute for further descriptions of the institute's activities.

CERCLA, or Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act

The 1980 CERCLA is an expansion of the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976. These acts passed by Congress describe the necessary responsibilities of those who transport, store, treat or dispose of regulated hazardous substances. These substances include some oilfield materials.
Try:  The Environmental Protection Agency offers a full description of the act and its purposes.

API, or American Petroleum Institute

The API is a national trade association that sets standards for the U.S. oil and natural gas industry. The API Monogram Program verifies that manufacturers are operating in compliance with industry standards.
Try:  The American Petroleum Institute site describes a broad range of advocacy, education, research and standards and certification programs.

OPEC, or Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries

OPEC was organized in 1960 by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Its membership has grown since then. The member countries come from Asia, Africa, and the Americas, but membership does go up and down as member countries can be suspended.
Try:  A history of OPEC is available at the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

MMS, or Minerals Management Service

The MMS is a branch of the United States Lands and Mineral Management Department. To manage and supervise the country's national resources, the MMS oversees oil and gas leasing, royalty collection and other areas involving the oil and gas industry, like drilling permits.
Try:  The Minerals Management Service offers a full description of the operations of the bureau and its revenue management.

Downstream, upstream, midstream and integrated companies

Downstream refers to the refining and marketing areas of the oil and gas industry. Upstream refers to the exploration and production areas of the industry. Midstream is a term used to refer to those activities that fall between the upstream and downstream portions of the industry, such as the pipeline transportation of crude oil and natural gas. Integrated companies are those that operate in both the upstream and downstream sectors of the industry.
Try:  The Society of Petroleum Engineers offers an extensive online glossary of terminology used in the industry.