The decision came after an annual review of its API membership focusing on six points, with "our science-based position that the link between human activity and climate change is an established fact" first on the list, Total said.
Other important issues were support for the Paris Agreement on climate change, the need to implement carbon pricing and support for the development of renewable energy.
An API spokesperson replied, saying: "We believe that the world's energy and environmental challenges are large enough that many different approaches are necessary to solve them, and we benefit from a diversity of views.
"As a member-driven organization, we do not support subsidizing energy because it distorts the market and ultimately proves harmful to consumers."
Representing more than 600 member companies, the Washington-based API says on its website that its mission is "to influence public policy in support of a strong, viable US oil and national gas industry".
Total said that among its major disagreements with the body were the API's "support for the rollback of US regulation on methane emissions".
Another sticking point was the institute's opposition to subsidies for electric vehicles, and differences on the principle of carbon pricing.
The French company also objected to the fact that the "API gave its support during the recent elections to candidates who argued against the United States' participation in the Paris Agreement."
Total employs around 7,000 people in the United States.
jmi/wai/cdw
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