US natgas industry hails Bush victory, hopes for energy bill

03 November 2004 19:15  [Source: ICIS news]

WASHINGTON (CNI)--US natural gas industry officials Wednesday welcomed the re-election of President George W Bush and said they are “hopeful and optimistic” that Bush’s energy policy will be advanced.

 

The Natural Gas Supply Association (NGSA) said in a statement today that it “hopes that the administration of President Bush will continue to bring our energy needs to the forefront of the nation.”

 

Washington, DC-based NGSA, which represents integrated and independent natural gas producers, also said that it looks forward “to a renewed congressional debate on energy issues, and we are hopeful and optimistic about the prospects for advancing the president’s longstanding energy policy.”

 

NGSA was referring to the fact that yesterday’s US national elections also expanded Republican majorities in both the US Senate and the House of Representatives where Bush’s energy policies have been stymied for two years.

 

According to vote tallies nationwide as of midday Wednesday, Republicans have gained three seats in the Senate for a 53-seat majority against 44 seats still held by Democrats.  There are two Senate election contests that are still undecided. 

 

In the House of Representatives, Republicans also picked up three additional seats, expanding their majority to 230 seats compared with 200 seats held by Democrats.  Four House contests remain too close to call.

 

NGSA said it also anticipates working “with the administration and the new Congress to meet the nation’s goal of a balanced energy future, which should include additional access to non-park, multi-use federal lands.”

 

About half of potential US natural gas supplies are located under federal lands.

By: Joe Kamalick
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