The anticipated election of Rep. Robert Livingston (R-LA) as thenext speaker of the House of Representatives could be very good forthe natural gas and oil industries.

“It’s not a bad thing for sure” given that he hails from a majorenergy production state, said Martin Edwards of the InterstateNatural Gas Association of America. “To my knowledge over the years- I think he’s been in Congress for about 20 years now – he’s beenpretty much viewed as a supporter of the industry.”

Unlike many, Edwards wasn’t surprised when Newt Gingrichannounced his decision to step down as speaker of the House lastweek and leave Congress altogether. “There’ve been rumblings likethat for awhile. One of the reasons that Livingston has sort ofshot out to the front is he was pretty much preparing to do thisfor the last six months, although he hadn’t planned on doing it sosoon. I think his goal was to have Gingrich serve out one more termand then go for the speaker job.”

The Republican members of the House are expected to vote on anew speaker of the House Nov. 18th, both members from both partieswill vote when Congress reconvenes in January.

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