General DNR News

DNR SECRETARY TO SPEAK AT CONGRESSIONAL CONFERENCE

Angelle to speak on the state’s natural gas infrastructure

Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Scott A. Angelle will address the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee at a Natural Gas Conferenceto be held Monday, January 24, 2005 at 2:20 p.m. in Washington, D.C.

The Natural Gas Conference was called by the committee to discuss a broad array of proposals from across the nation that focus on natural gas and energy challenges. Since, its creation, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has considered, reported, and overseen some of the most important legislation ever enacted by Congress. This conference is considered a forum to promote open communications to help develop ideas for an energy bill.

Secretary Angelle was chosen to make comments on natural gas infrastructure, one of six topics open for discussion. Some 140 written submissions and comments were sent to the committee in early January from states, national associations, and interest groups but only 32 individuals were selected for appearances before the committee.

Secretary Angelle said he intends to stress Louisiana’s role in supplying energy to the rest of the country through its intricate pipeline system and infrastructure. Louisiana provides 34 percent of the nation’s natural gas supply and over 29 percent of the nation’s crude oil supply and is connected to 50 percent of the U.S. refining capacity.

The conference will be held in the Hart Building - 216 beginning at 1 p.m. and attendance is open to the public and media. For more information online, go to

http://energy.senate.gov/conference/conference.cfm

Editors: For more on this topic, call the DNR Public Information Director Phyllis F. Darensbourg at 225-342-8955.