The United States Congress today approved final passage of legislation that will open new areas of the outer continental shelf within the Gulf of Mexico to oil and gas drilling and exploration. Following the vote, AGL Resources, an Atlanta-based energy services holding company with utility subsidiaries in six states, expressed its appreciation for the effort.

"We commend the United States Congress for passing the outer continental shelf legislation," said John Somerhalder, president and chief executive officer of AGL Resources. "While we are disappointed that more comprehensive legislation -- which would have given states more discretion over resources off their respective coasts -- did not pass this term, we are pleased with the results of this measure. Any action which allows Americans greater access to domestic natural gas supply basins is a move in the right direction."

The measure will open up 8.3 million acres of the eastern Gulf of Mexico to exploration and production for natural gas and oil. The addition of new areas in the Gulf of Mexico will allow access to approximately 6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, enough to keep 6 million homes warm for 15 years.

"Passage of this legislation is especially important as this week's cold weather reminds us of the important role natural gas plays in keeping families warm when the mercury drops," continued Somerhalder. "Again, we commend Congress for this recent action and look forward to continuing our company and industry's efforts to ensure access to domestic supply in an environmentally sensitive manner."

President Bush has indicated his support and is expected to sign the legislation into law.

About AGL Resources

AGL Resources, an Atlanta-based energy services holding company, serves 2.2 million customers in six states through its utility subsidiaries - Atlanta Gas Light, Elizabethtown Gas in New Jersey, Virginia Natural Gas, Florida City Gas, Chattanooga Gas, and Elkton Gas in Maryland.

Ranked by Forbes as one of the 10 Best Managed Utilities and No. 250 in the Forbes Platinum 400 as well as No. 647 on the Fortune 1000 and No. 40 in the Fortune gas and electric utilities sector in 2006, AGL Resources reported revenue of $2.7 billion and net income of $193 million in 2005. The company also owns Houston-based Sequent Energy Management, an asset manager serving natural gas wholesale customers throughout the East and Midwest. As a 70 percent owner in the SouthStar partnership, AGL Resources markets natural gas to consumers in Georgia under the Georgia Natural Gas brand. AGL Networks, the company's telecommunications subsidiary, owns and operates fiber optic networks in Atlanta and Phoenix. The company also owns and operates Pivotal Jefferson Island Storage & Hub, a high-deliverability natural gas storage facility near the Henry Hub in Louisiana. For more information, visit www.aglresources.com.

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SOURCE: AGL Resources Inc.