The American Petroleum Institute (API) created a midstream department, the trade group said in a Jan. 13 statement.

Harry Pefanis, president and COO of Plains All American Pipeline LP (NYSE: PAA), will chair the committee made up of API member company representatives that will oversee the department’s work.

“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, which were previously split between API’s upstream and downstream departments.

Robin Rorick will lead the department as group director of midstream and industry operations. Rorick joined API in 1996 and served as its director of marine and security during the last five years.