Video"It is not just a problem for gas intensive businesses and industries. It is a national concern that will touch virtually every American," Abraham said at the meeting sponsored by the National Petroleum Council.
Energy Department estimates say natural-gas home heating bills could rise as much as 19 percent over last year, which is a 54 percent increase over the 2001-2002 winter season. If the 2003-2004 winter turns out to be colder than expected, prices would climb even higher.
Record amounts of natural gas have been stockpiled during the last few weeks, however analysts say the supply is still 29 percent below the 2002 mark and 19 percent under the five year average.
Officials from the petrochemical industries are urging the Bush administration to reduce air-quality regulations for utility and industrial plants to make it easier for them to switch from natural-gas to coal or oil during the summer months. Natural-gas is cleaner burning than the other two fossil fuels.
But for now, Abraham rejected the call to make recommendations to the White House, saying that it was up to the Environmental Protection Agency to work-out clean-air rules.
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