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WALL, N.J. – Laurence M. Downes, chairman and CEO of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR) and its principal subsidiary, New Jersey Natural Gas, will serve as the 2005 chairman of the American Gas Association (AGA) board of directors effective, January 1, 2005. AGA represents 192 local energy utility companies that deliver natural gas to more than 53 million homes, businesses and industries throughout the United States.

“Larry’s background in the financial community brings a new perspective to the AGA,” said AGA President and CEO David Parker. “He is a motivated leader with a comprehensive view of the industry. As chairman, he will pursue an aggressive agenda for understanding and meeting the needs and expectations of all our stakeholders.”

Natural gas currently supplies one fourth of our nation’s total energy needs. Demand for natural gas, as a reliable, environmentally friendly energy source is expected to continue to grow, underscoring the importance of energy efficiency and the need for an effective national energy plan to serve the needs of customers both now and in the future.

In recent remarks to industry leaders, Mr. Downes emphasized, “As natural gas providers, we play a fundamental role in helping our nation meets its energy needs, grow the economy, protect our environment and improve national security. Because we provide a lifeline service, reliability must define everything we do. That is why I have chosen ‘Reliability. One word. One mission.’ as the theme for my year as the AGA chairman.”

“The fact that utilities provide a vital public service – the safe, reliable delivery of natural gas –makes us a very different type of business,” Mr. Downes continued. “Customers, shareowners, regulators, policymakers and communities – they all count on us to meet their needs. The AGA plays a vital role in supporting our objectives.”

Beginning in January, Mr. Downes will be addressing the financial community in cities across the nation to raise awareness of industry priorities. He will also focus on plans to communicate key issues to stakeholders.

Mr. Downes is a member of the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education. He is also chairman of the Safe Child Consortium and vice chairman of New Jersey After 3, Inc., a trustee of Prosperity New Jersey and chairman of the Finance Council for the Diocese of Trenton. A native of Ridgefield, N.J., Mr. Downes received a bachelor's degree in business administration in June 1979 and a master's degree in business administration in June 1981 from Iona College. He and his wife, Carol, and their two children reside in Princeton Junction, N.J.

New Jersey Resources (NYSE:NJR), a Fortune 1000 company and a member of the Forbes Platinum 400, provides reliable retail and wholesale energy services to customers in New Jersey and in states from the Gulf Coast to New England, and Canada. Its principal subsidiary, New Jersey Natural Gas, is one of the fastest-growing local distribution companies in the United States, serving more than 450,000 customers in central and northern New Jersey. Other major NJR subsidiaries include NJR Energy Services and NJR Home Services. NJR Energy Services is a leader in the unregulated energy services market, providing outstanding customer service and management of natural gas storage and capacity assets. NJR Home Services offers retail customers expert heating, air conditioning and appliance services. NJR’s progress is a tribute to the more than 5,000 dedicated employees who have shared their expertise and focus on quality through more than 50 years of serving customers and the community to make NJR a leader in the competitive energy marketplace. For more information, visit NJR’s Web site at njliving.com.