National Fuel Announces Management Change; David F. Smith to Retire and Continue to Serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors

Today, National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE: NFG)announced that David F. Smith, Executive Chairman of the Board, has indicatedhis intention to retire, effective April 1, 2014. Smith will continue to serveas Chairman of the Board of Directors.“National Fuel is today a better company for its employees, its investors, andthe customers we serve because of Dave's leadership and dedication,” saidRonald J. Tanski, President and Chief Executive Officer. “During his fiveyears as CEO, Dave established the current course of the Company, focusingattention and significant resources on development in the Marcellus Shale asSeneca Resources Corporation's total production nearly tripled and theCompany's pipeline business commenced an historic, transformationalrealignment. Under his direction, the Company continued to prioritize andinvest in pipeline safety, system reliability, and all levels of customerservice.”Smith joined National Fuel in 1978 and had been Chief Executive Officer fromFebruary 2008 until March 2013. He was elected to the Company's Board ofDirectors in 2007 and named Chairman of the Board in 2010. During his morethan 35-year tenure with the Company he has served as President of NationalFuel Gas Supply Corporation, National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation,Empire Pipeline, Inc., and National Fuel Resources, Inc.National Fuel is an integrated energy company with $6.2 billion in assetscomprised of the following five operating segments: Exploration andProduction, Pipeline and Storage, Gathering, Utility, and Energy Marketing.Additional information about National Fuel is available at:www.nationalfuelgas.com or through its investor information service at1-800-334-2188.