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                                                             EXHIBIT 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement on
Form S-8 of our report dated February 12, 1997, on our audits of the
consolidated financial statements of Vastar Resources, Inc., as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1996.


                                                COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

Houston, Texas 
March 26, 1997