HOUSTON, TEXAS, September 20, 2004—El Paso Corporation (NYSE:EP) announced today that Al W. Erxleben has been named vice president of Gulf of Mexico Operations for El Paso Production Company.

Erxleben, 58, was vice president of Exploration and then director of Geology and Geophysics for Black Stone Minerals Company, L.P. Previously, he held various positions at Apache Corporation, Tenneco Oil E&P, and Exxon. He has extensive experience in exploration and exploitation prospecting as well as a varied background in geological and geophysical research and applications. Erxleben earned a Bachelor of Science in geology from Texas Tech University and a Master of Arts in geology from the University of Texas at Austin.

"Al brings extensive exploration and production experience to our Gulf of Mexico Operations," said Lisa Stewart, president of El Paso Production and Non-regulated Operations. "I'm confident his leadership will provide the focus necessary to successfully capitalize on our opportunities in that region."

El Paso Corporation provides natural gas and related energy products in a safe, efficient, dependable manner. The company owns North America's largest natural gas pipeline system and one of North America's largest independent natural gas producers. For more information, visit www.elpaso.com.