Gas imports rose 2%, or 14 Bcf, to 789.8 Bcf during the firstquarter of 1998, while gas exports increased 9% to 45.4 Bcf mainlyas a result of the new Samalayuca Pipeline in Chihuahua, Mexico,the Department of Energy reported. Imports from Canada rose 2% in1Q98 to 761.5 Bcf from 748.4 Bcf in 1Q97. LNG imports rose 24% to25 Bcf.

Squire, Sanders &amp Dempsey is building “a major domestic andinternational energy practice,” adding legal power to itsWashington DC and Houston offices. The law firm with headquartersin Cleveland, has a number of offices outside of the U.S.,including offices in Western Europe and the Soviet Union, Taipeiand Hong Kong. William Mogel, who joined SS&ampD as a partner July1, is coordinating the effort. Over the next month the firm ofGoldberg &amp Fieldman, including Arnold Fieldman, Glen Letham andChanning Strother will be merging with Squire, Sanders. Also RobertWhite and Nancy White will be moving over from Long, Aldridge &ampNorman. Several other experienced energy attorneys from Houstonwill be added to the office there.

Union Pacific Resources Group announced it received $102 millionthrough a settlement of gas supply agreements with severalindependent power producers (IPP’s) on the Niagara Mohawk system inNew York state. UPR said it expects to recognize a $30 millionpre-tax gain in 2Q98.

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