Statement on Natural Gas Supply Limitations by Secretary of the Interior in 1951, 1951-07-10

Secretary of the Interior Oscar L. Chapman issued a statement regarding a tentative order by the Petroleum Administration for Defense to limit the use of natural gas. The order was necessary due to a shortage of steel for pipeline construction, which was hindering the expansion of gas transmission facilities. The restriction on gas sales was proposed to ensure sufficient supply for existing consumers and important defense plants. The order would only apply to certain areas where gas shortages were expected. Efforts were being made to consider the views of all interested parties, including gas distributors and equipment manufacturers, before issuing the final order.