One third of America's domestic production of energy comes from land managed by the Interior Department. Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton and U.S. Chamber of Commerce examined the impact of increased natural gas prices at a conference in Washington D.C.

"Farmers are paying higher prices for fertilizer made with natural gas. Increased natural gas prices make it more expensive to run irrigation pumps, heat greenhouses and ironically to create ethanol."

Residential consumers are feeling the pinch. In August, natural gas bills increased 38 percent in Indianapolis. Prices have gone up because supply hasn't kept pace with demand.

"I have to say I've been most shocked about the long-term impact on factory workers in this country. Thousands upon thousands of American jobs may soon permanently be lost overseas."

Industry has turned to natural gas because it is environmentally friendly. Natural gas currently provides 24 percent of U.S. energy demand. Ron Tull, Interior Department Radio News Service, Washington.

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