1 EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our reports included in this Form 10-K, into the Company's previously filed Registration Statement File Nos. 0-17136, 33-33281, 33-40564/33-40563, 33-63411, 333-5869, 333-48683, 333-67269, 333-75547/333-75549, 33-42272, 33-63409, 33-64123, 333-47301, 333-36474, 333-36476, 33-64213, 333-36474, 333-36476, 333-44546 and 333-54022. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Houston, Texas June 8, 2001