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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(A)
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report on
the consolidated financial statements of American Exploration Company and
subsidiaries dated March 22, 1996, included in American Exploration Company's
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, and to all references to our
Firm included in this registration statement.
 
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Houston, Texas
September 27, 1996