Industry tries new approach to lobbying on natural gas.(United States/Americas)

Chemical companies have formed a new coalition to lobby Congress to pass laws aimed at combating high natural gas prices. The Consumers Alliance for Affordable Natural Gas (Washington) includes ACC, Dow Chemical, DuPont, Eastman Chemical, and Rohm and Haas (R&H), among other firms. It will appeal to consumer groups and nongovernmental organizations, but details regarding specific organizations are not yet available. The alliance says it will lobby for more access to natural gas in the U.S., and for changes in regulatory policies that have increased demand for natural gas but inhibited expansion of the nation's natural gas supply.

Industry representatives say they are …