This story was updated at 3:51 p.m. EST.

The American Petroleum Institute today announced it has hired Brian Straessle, a former House GOP aide, to join its media team.

Straessle since 2010 has served as communications director on the Republican Study Committee, a group that advises House Republicans on key policy issues including energy development and environmental regulations.

Before RSC, Straessle served in the office of Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), according to the congressional staff database LegiStorm.

His Capitol Hill experience focused on energy policy, health care reform, and tax and spending issues, API said.

"He understands the incredible benefits oil and natural gas production and refining provide to American families and businesses," Eric Wohlschlegel, API's director of media relations, said in a statement. "We are delighted to have him on the team to help communicate how this industry's investments help create jobs, grow the U.S. economy and strengthen our nation's energy security."

API in the first three quarters of 2012 spent roughly $5 million lobbying the federal government on a variety of oil and gas issues including taxes and U.S. EPA and Interior Department regulations, according to disclosure documents.

The Washington, D.C.-based trade group represents more than 500 members that explore, produce, refine, market and ship petroleum product and those that provide services and supplies for the sector.