1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(b)

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
pertaining to the Alexander Energy Corporation Post-Merger Stock Option Plan,
1993 Restricted Stock Award Plan (Form S-8 No. 33-59489), the 1993 Stock Option
Plan (Form S-8 No. 33-63978) and the 1986 Incentive Stock Option Plan (Form S-8
No. 33-20425) of our report dated February 22, 1994, on our audit of the
consolidated financial statements of American Natural Energy Corporation and
Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 1993, which report is included in
the Annual Report on Form 10-K, of Alexander Energy Corporation, for the year
ended December 31, 1995.





                                        COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

Tulsa, Oklahoma
May 9, 1996