Discusses

In the first meeting of the newly-formed Alaska Highway NaturalGas Policy Council (AHNGPC) last week, Alaska Gov. Tony Knowlescharged the 28-member panel of community, business and laborleaders with the task of looking into public policy questionssurrounding the development and transportation of natural gas inthe North Slope.

NiSource Chairman Gary Neale said his company has been meetingwith shareholders representing more than 30% of Columbia EnergyGroup’s outstanding common stock, including six of the eightlargest shareholders, and has found the investors eager to see thetwo companies begin negotiations on a potential merger transaction.