But the opposition from the manufacturing companies dissipated in the face of the evidence—a continuing increase in natural gas supplies and the persistence of low prices. What finally quelled the controversy and alleviated industry fears was the enunciation of an export policy by the Department of Energy. While declaring that the market provides “the most efficient means of allocating natural gas supplies,” it pledged “intervention” that would “protect the public” in the event of a shortage. Such intervention was highly unlikely, but the protection was there. Approvals were
