Conservative

A survey by global accounting firm Grant Thornton of 60 senior executives at mid-sized independent exploration and production (E&P) companies found that on average most expect Henry Hub natural gas prices to increase modestly over the next four years, moving from $4.44/Mcf in 2004 to $4.82 in 2007.

A group of several dozen moderate and conservative Democrats in the House of Representatives last week unveiled a package of energy proposals that, among other things, calls for the immediate construction of a pipeline to bring Alaskan North Slope gas to markets in the United States and the creation of an energy reliability organization to help facilitate the possible role of regional transmission organizations (RTOs) in dealing with regional electricity transmission issues.

A group of several dozen moderate and conservative Democrats in the House of Representatives this week unveiled a package of energy proposals that, among other things, calls for the immediate construction of a pipeline to bring Alaskan North Slope gas to markets in the United States and the creation of an energy reliability organization to help facilitate the possible role of regional transmission organizations (RTOs) in dealing with regional electricity transmission issues.

Referring to herself as both a “conservationist and aconservative,” Interior Secretary nominee Gale Norton walked atightrope last week in an effort to persuade her Senate Republicanand Democratic inquisitors that, despite the heated controversysurrounding her nomination, she is the best choice for the job.

Referring to herself as both a “conservationist and aconservative,” Interior Secretary nominee Gale Norton walked a finetightrope yesterday in an effort to persuade her Senate Republicanand Democratic inquisitors that, despite the controversysurrounding her nomination, she is the best choice for the job.

Dominion Resources expects gas price strength to continuethrough next year, but it is making a conservative forecast forrealized prices of about $3.20/Mcf, CEO Thos. E. Capps saidyesterday during a conference call on the company’s third quarterearnings. The company’s production remains about 50% hedged throughthe second quarter of next year.