(Editor’s Note: This story is one in a series providing expert forecasts for the global natural gas and oil markets in 2022. Look for NGI’s extensive coverage of what happened in 2021 and what can be expected in 2022 and beyond in terms of prices, the LNG export markets, ESG, Mexico’s production and project prospects, North American midstream infrastructure plans and exploration and production strategies.)

To ensure the United States holds its mantle as a top natural gas and oil producer, the American Petroleum Institute (API) plans to push for continued access to federal leasing and advocate that producers advance their work to reduce carbon emissions.

API CEO Mike Sommers laid out the industry advocate’s plans on Wednesday for the coming year during API’s State of...