EXHIBIT 23(B) CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS As independent petroleum engineers, we hereby consent to the use of our name in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996. We further consent to the inclusion of our estimate of reserves and present value of future net reserves in such Annual Report. /s/ RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM ENGINEERS RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM ENGINEERS Houston, Texas March 20, 1997