NFG National Fuel Gas Co

Seneca Resources Corporation ("Seneca"), the Exploration and Production subsidiary of National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE: NFG), announced today that John P. McGinnis has been named Senior Vice President, Exploration and Development. "We are pleased to welcome John to the Company," said David F. Smith, President and Chief Operating Officer of National Fuel Gas Company. "Adding John to our management team at Seneca further underscores our commitment to develop and extract value from our Appalachian holdings. Like Matt Cabell, Seneca�s recently-named President, John possesses technical expertise and industry experience that will strongly contribute to our Appalachian growth plan," Smith added. McGinnis has 22 years experience in oil and gas exploration, including his most recent position as General Manager, Exploration and Production (Eastern U.S.) for Dominion Resources, where he was responsible for leading the business unit's strategy to explore for reserves in Appalachia and other Eastern U.S. regions. "John's extensive experience will help Seneca to achieve the long-term objectives of increasing reserves and reducing finding costs," said Matt Cabell, President of Seneca.* "In particular, John will help to execute a comprehensive growth plan for our Appalachian properties, while also providing day-to-day oversight of the overall exploration program.* Barry McMahan will continue in his current role as Senior Vice President, Production and Operations, helping Seneca to maintain our position as an efficient low-cost producer."* Prior to his employment at Dominion Resources, McGinnis was Vice President of Exploration for Nuevo Energy and Division Explorationist for Amerada Hess Corporation. He holds a PhD in Marine Geology and Geophysics from Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and both a Masters degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Geophysics from Purdue University. McGinnis and his wife, Lana, reside in Houston, Texas, with their two children. National Fuel Gas Company is an integrated energy company with $3.8 billion in assets comprising five principal operating segments: Utility, Pipeline and Storage, Exploration and Production, Energy Marketing, and Timber. Additional information about the Company is available at www.nationalfuelgas.com or through its investor information service at 1-800-334-2188. * Certain statements contained herein, including those which are designated with an asterisk (�*�) and those which use words such as �anticipates,� �estimates,� �expects,� �intends,� �plans,� �predicts,� �projects,� and similar expressions, are �forward-looking statements� as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The Company�s expectations, beliefs and projections contained herein are expressed in good faith and are believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that such expectations, beliefs or projections will result or be achieved or accomplished. In addition to other factors, the following are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements: changes in laws and regulations to which the Company is subject, including changes in tax, environmental, safety and employment laws and regulations; changes in economic conditions, including economic disruptions caused by terrorist activities, acts of war or major accidents; changes in the availability and/or price of natural gas or oil; significant changes from expectations in actual capital expenditures and operating expenses and unanticipated project delays or changes in project costs or plans; the nature and projected profitability of pending and potential projects and other investments; occurrences affecting the Company�s ability to obtain funds from operations or from issuances of debt or equity securities to finance needed capital expenditures and other investments, including any downgrades in the Company�s credit ratings; uncertainty of oil and gas reserve estimates; ability to successfully identify and finance acquisitions or other investments and ability to operate and integrate existing and any subsequently acquired business or properties; ability to successfully identify, drill for and produce economically viable natural gas and oil reserves; significant changes from expectations in the Company�s actual production levels for natural gas or oil; or significant changes in the Company�s relationship with its employees or contractors and the potential adverse effects if labor disputes, grievances or shortages were to occur. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.