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                                                                      EXHIBIT 23
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of our report dated June 15, 1998, included in this Annual Report on
Form 11-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, into the previously filed Form
S-8 Registration Statements of the Tenneco Thrift Plan For Hourly Employees
(File Nos. 333-17487, 333-27281, 333-27279 333-30933, 333-41537 and 333-48777).
 
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Houston, Texas
June 26, 1998