National Fuel Provides Well Test Results

Seneca Resources Corporation ("Seneca”), a wholly owned subsidiary of National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE: NFG) ("National Fuel” or the "Company”), today announced that its first Seneca-operated Marcellus Shale horizontal well tested at an average rate of 5.8 million cubic feet per day ("Mmcfd”) over six days. The well is located in Tioga County, Pennsylvania.

Matthew D. Cabell, President of Seneca, stated, "This test exceeded our expectations, with the well flowing at a high rate with almost no decline. It is a very encouraging result for our first Seneca-operated horizontal well.” Seneca is currently drilling its third horizontal well and plans to drill an additional 15 to 20 horizontal Marcellus wells in fiscal 2010. Seneca also participated in 12 horizontal Marcellus Shale wells drilled by its joint-venture partner, EOG Resources ("EOG”), in fiscal 2009 and will participate in approximately 20 EOG-operated wells to be drilled in fiscal 2010.

David F. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, added, "With this well test and our continued progress in the EOG joint-venture, I am confident that we will meet or exceed our expectations of 20 to 30 Mmcfd of production in the Marcellus shale play by the end of our 2010 fiscal year. We have a great acreage position and a talented team that is proving we can execute the program for rapid growth in this region.”

Seneca, the exploration and production segment of National Fuel Gas Company explores for, develops and purchases natural gas and oil reserves in California, the Appalachian region and in the Gulf Coast region of Texas and Louisiana. Currently, Seneca’s efforts are focused on evaluating, exploring and developing reserves in the Appalachian basin, economically producing reserves in California and exploiting opportunities in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Additional information about Seneca and National Fuel Gas Company is available at www.nationalfuelgas.com or through the Company’s investor information service at 1-800-334-2188.

Certain statements contained herein, including statements that are identified by the use of the words "anticipates,” "estimates,” "expects,” "forecasts,” "intends,” "plans,” "predicts,” "projects,” "believes,” "seeks,” "will,” "may” and similar expressions, are "forward-looking statements” as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The Company’s expectations, beliefs and projections contained herein are expressed in good faith and are believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that such expectations, beliefs or projections will result or be achieved or accomplished. In addition to other factors, the following are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements: financial and economic conditions, including the availability of credit, and their effect on the Company’s ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms for working capital, capital expenditures and other investments; occurrences affecting the Company’s ability to obtain financing under credit lines or other credit facilities or through the issuance of commercial paper, other short-term notes or debt or equity securities, including any downgrades in the Company’s credit ratings and changes in interest rates and other capital market conditions; changes in economic conditions, including global, national or regional recessions, and their effect on the demand for, and customers’ ability to pay for, the Company’s products and services; the creditworthiness or performance of the Company’s key suppliers, customers and counterparties; economic disruptions or uninsured losses resulting from terrorist activities, acts of war, major accidents, fires, hurricanes, other severe weather, pest infestation or other natural disasters; changes in demographic patterns and weather conditions; changes in the availability and/or price of natural gas or oil and the effect of such changes on the accounting treatment of derivative financial instruments or the valuation of the Company’s natural gas and oil reserves; impairments under the SEC’s full cost ceiling test for natural gas and oil reserves; uncertainty of oil and gas reserve estimates; factors affecting the Company’s ability to successfully identify, drill for and produce economically viable natural gas and oil reserves, including among others geology, lease availability, weather conditions, shortages, delays or unavailability of equipment and services required in drilling operations, and the need to obtain governmental approvals and permits and comply with environmental laws and regulations; significant differences between the Company’s expected and actual production levels for natural gas or oil; significant changes in competitive factors affecting the Company; changes in laws and regulations to which the Company is subject, including tax, environmental, safety and employment laws and regulations; governmental/regulatory actions, initiatives and proceedings, including those involving acquisitions, financings, industry structure, and environmental/safety requirements; unanticipated impacts of restructuring initiatives in the natural gas and electric industries; significant differences between the Company’s expected and actual capital expenditures and operating expenses, and unanticipated project delays or changes in project costs or plans; the nature and projected profitability of pending and potential projects and other investments, and the ability to obtain necessary governmental approvals and permits; significant changes in tax rates or policies (including cap-and-trade regimes) or in rates of inflation or interest; significant changes in the Company’s relationship with its employees or contractors and the potential adverse effects if labor disputes, grievances or shortages were to occur; or the cost and effects of legal and administrative claims against the Company. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.