Exhibit 23.1

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

                  As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this registration statement of our report dated
March 22, 1996, included in American Exploration Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, and to all references to our Firm
included in this registration statement.

                                                         /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
May 14, 1996