Times were tough. America’s founders had just signed the Declaration of Independence and that assured each of them now had a mortal enemy committed to his destruction. Benjamin Franklin, never at a loss for words, summed up what the group must do in its precarious situation: “We must hang together, gentlemen, else, we shall most assuredly hang separately.”

Today’s oil and gas executives may not need to worry about a noose, but they should consider that they too have enemies committed to the destruction of their business. I read an interesting article the other day that noted environmental activists want to make the coal industry “the new tobacco.” So far, they’re succeeding. Next on their list: Oil and gas.

Does that sound grandiose? What about Keystone XL? An economically sound project incorporating the best technology and safety features around—killed because of shaky environmental and political reasons. Even regions that have been traditionally energy friendly, such as Texas, see growing opposition to eminent domain and other industry developments.

So how should the industry respond? Most assuredly, the industry must hang together.

Many of you are members of energy trade associations that do excellent work in Washington, the state capitals and with the public. They emphasize the positive benefits of an industry that provides affordable energy—supporting a growing, prosperous and job-creating economy.

One of those associations is the Gas Processors Association (GPA), and we’re pleased to announce that Midstream Business has been named its official publication. I look forward to an opportunity to work more closely with an organization that has contributed so much to the midstream in particular, and the oil and gas industry in general.

GPA emphasizes advocacy, education and training, market information and research. The organization’s annual convention, this year April 10-13 in New Orleans, provides an excellent opportunity for technical updates and peer discussion that will enhance the midstream. In particular, I like this year’s GPA convention theme: “Where Midstream Means Business.”

The association will be contributing to future issues of Midstream Business, including a new regulatory review column starting in February. We hope, likewise, to contribute to GPA and its members.

Speaking of great conferences, one of Hart Energy’s biggest events of 2016, Marcellus Utica Midstream, returns Jan. 26-28 at Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center. If you have an interest in the burgeoning Appalachian plays, please make this conference a priority. I know its excellent lineup of speakers, not to mention a major exhibit floor and networking opportunities, will be well worth your while.

The conference kicks off several exciting things planned for 2016. Please remember our Midstream Business Excellence Awards that will recognize the top companies, deals and individuals in North America’s midstream industry last year. There are three categories: Executive of the Year, Deal of the Year and Project of the Year. Make your entries at midstreambusiness. com/excellence-awards. Dead-line is Feb. 1.

In our May issue, we’ll announce our Midstream 50 list of the midstream’s top public companies. Best of all, as we begin our sixth year, 2016 will be the first year we publish 12 issues—one each month—as this publication expands its coverage of an exciting industry.

The past year was tough, but I believe the investment the midstream has put into new infrastructure will assure that we can continue to serve producers, and consumers, as things turn around in 2016 and beyond. Let’s hang together to make sure it happens.

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