content: <!-- CoverPageHeader start -->
  <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 3.2//EN">
  <HTML>
  <HEAD>
  <TITLE> National Fuel Gas Company (Form: 8-K) </TITLE>
  </HEAD>
  <BODY TEXT="#000000" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" ALINK="#0000FF" HLINK="#FF0000" VLINK="#800080">
  <A NAME="DOCUMENT_TOP">&nbsp;</A>
  <P>
  <!-- CoverPageHeader end --><!-- CoverPageTitle START -->
  <A NAME="DOCUMENT_TOP">&nbsp;</A>
  <HR NOSHADE>
  <P>
  <P ALIGN="CENTER">
  <FONT SIZE="4">
  		UNITED STATES<BR>
  	SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
  </FONT>
  <BR>
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
  </FONT>
  <P ALIGN="CENTER">
  <FONT SIZE="5">
  	FORM 8-K
  </FONT>
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  
  </FONT>
  </P>
  <P ALIGN="CENTER">
  <FONT SIZE="3">
  	CURRENT REPORT
  </FONT>
  </P>
  <P ALIGN="CENTER">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	Pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
  </FONT>
  </P>
  <CENTER>
  <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
  <TD WIDTH="51%">
  	&nbsp;
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="5%">
  	&nbsp;
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="44%">
  	&nbsp;
  </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported):
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD>
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	December 20, 2006
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  <BR>
  </CENTER>
  <!-- CoverPageTitle END --><!-- CoverPageRegistrant START -->
  <P ALIGN="CENTER"><!-- -->
  <FONT SIZE="6">
  	National Fuel Gas Company
  </FONT>
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  <BR>__________________________________________<BR>
  	(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
  </FONT>
  <CENTER>
  <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
  <TD WIDTH="33%">
  	&nbsp;
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="34%">
  	&nbsp;
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="33%">
  	&nbsp;
  </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	New Jersey
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	1-3880
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	13-1086010
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  _____________________<BR>
  	(State or other jurisdiction
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  _____________<BR>
  	(Commission
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  ______________<BR>
  	(I.R.S. Employer
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	of incorporation)
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	File Number)
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	Identification No.)
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	6363 Main Street, Williamsville, New York
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	14221
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  _________________________________<BR>
  	(Address of principal executive offices)
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  ___________<BR>
  	(Zip Code)
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  </CENTER>
  <CENTER>
  <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
  
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
  <TD WIDTH="51%">
  	&nbsp;
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="5%">
  	&nbsp;
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="44%">
  	&nbsp;
  </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	Registrant&#146;s telephone number, including area code:
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD>
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	716-857-7000
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  </CENTER>
  <P ALIGN="CENTER">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	Not Applicable
  <BR>______________________________________________<BR>
  	Former name or former address, if changed since last report
  </FONT>
  <P ALIGN="CENTER">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  <!-- CoverPageRegistrant END --><P><FONT SIZE="2">
  Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to
  simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any
  of the following provisions:</FONT>
  </P>
  <P><FONT SIZE="2">
  [&nbsp;&nbsp;]&nbsp;&nbsp;Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)<br>
  [&nbsp;&nbsp;]&nbsp;&nbsp;Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)<br>
  [&nbsp;&nbsp;]&nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))<br>
  [&nbsp;&nbsp;]&nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))<br>
  </P></FONT><!-- PageBreak START -->
  <P>
  <HR NOSHADE>
  <DIV ALIGN="LEFT" STYLE="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE:ALWAYS">
  <A HREF="#DOCUMENT_TOP">
  <U>
  <B>
  <FONT SIZE="2">Top of the Form</FONT>
  </B>
  </U>
  </A>
  </DIV>
  <!-- PageBreak END --><!-- Item START -->
  <P ALIGN="LEFT">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  <B>
  	Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
  </B>
  </FONT>
  </P>
  <P ALIGN="LEFT">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  On December 20, 2006, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of National Fuel Gas Company (the "Company") set specific performance goals for fiscal year 2007 under the Company&#x2019;s Annual At Risk Compensation Incentive Program ("AARCIP") for Philip C. Ackerman, David F. Smith and Ronald J. Tanski.  Mr. Ackerman is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  Mr. Smith is President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and President of National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation ("Supply Corporation") and Empire State Pipeline ("Empire"), the Company&#x2019;s pipeline and storage subsidiaries.  Mr. Tanski is Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer of the Company and President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation ("Distribution Corporation"), the Company&#x2019;s utility subsidiary.<br><br>These three officers will earn cash compensation in fiscal 2007 under the AARCIP depending upon their performance relative to their goals.  Compensation amounts pursuant to these arrangements can range from zero to 200% of salary for Mr. Ackerman, from zero to 140% of salary for Mr. Smith and from zero to 130% of salary for Mr. Tanski.  Target compensation is 100% of salary for Mr. Ackerman, 70% of salary for Mr. Smith and 65% of salary for Mr. Tanski.  The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may approve other compensation or awards at its discretion.<br><br>The goals for Mr. Ackerman relate to Company earnings per share (weighted as 60% of the formula), proved developed and undeveloped reserves (weighted as 25% of the formula), long-term strategy, succession planning and long-term incentive compensation (weighted as 10% of the formula), safety (weighted as 2.5% of the formula), and customer service (weighted as 2.5% of the formula).<br><br>The goals for Mr. Smith relate to Company earnings per share (weighted as 55% of the formula), long-term strategy (weighted as 15% of the formula), proved developed and undeveloped reserves (weighted as 15% of the formula), oil and natural gas production volume (weighted as 10% of the formula), and safety (weighted as 5% of the formula).<br><br>The goals for Mr. Tanski relate to Company earnings per share (weighted as 30% of the formula), earnings per share of Supply Corporation, Empire and Distribution Corporation (weighted as 30% of the formula), safety (weighted as 10% of the formula), rate case standards (weighted as 10% of the formula), long-term strategy (weighted as 10% of the formula), and various aspects of the Company&#x2019;s relations with investors and with analysts who cover the Company (weighted in the aggregate as 10% of the formula).<br>
  </FONT>
  </P>
  <!-- Item END -->
  <BR><BR><BR><BR><P ALIGN="LEFT" STYLE="FONT-SIZE: 10PT"></P><!-- PageBreak START -->
  <P>
  <HR NOSHADE>
  <DIV ALIGN="LEFT" STYLE="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE:ALWAYS">
  <A HREF="#DOCUMENT_TOP">
  <U>
  <B>
  <FONT SIZE="2">Top of the Form</FONT>
  </B>
  </U>
  </A>
  </DIV>
  <!-- PageBreak END --><!-- SignatureHeader START -->
  <P ALIGN="CENTER">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  <B>
  	SIGNATURES
  </B>
  </FONT>
  </P>
  <P ALIGN="LEFT">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
  	registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
  	undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
  </FONT>
  </P>
  <!-- SignatureHeader END --><!-- Signature START -->
  <CENTER>
  <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%">
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
  <TD WIDTH="19%">
  	&nbsp;
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="34%">
  	&nbsp;
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="3%">
  	&nbsp;
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="1%">
  	&nbsp;
  </TD>
  <TD WIDTH="43%">
  	&nbsp;
  </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
  <TD VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD>
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD COLSPAN="3" VALIGN="TOP" ALIGN="LEFT">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	National Fuel Gas Company
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
  <TD VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD>
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD>
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
  <TD VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  <I>
  	December 27, 2006
  </I>
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD>
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  <I>
  	By:
  </I>
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD>
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  <I>
  	James R. Peterson
  </I>
  <BR>
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR>
  <TD VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD>
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD>
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
  <HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE>
  </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
  <TD VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD>
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD>
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  <I>
  	Name: James R. Peterson
  </I>
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  </TR>
  <TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
  <TD VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD>
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD>
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  	&nbsp;
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  <TD ALIGN="LEFT" VALIGN="TOP">
  <FONT SIZE="2">
  <I>
  	Title: Assistant Secretary
  </I>
  </FONT>
  </TD>
  </TR>
  </TABLE>
  </CENTER>
  <!-- Signature END --><!-- HTMLFooter START -->
  </BODY>
  </HTML>
  <!-- HTMLFooter END -->
metadata_documents: [{"type": "8-K", "sequence": "1", "filename": "htm_17267.htm", "description": "LIVE FILING", "secsgml_size_bytes": 10999}]
metadata_filer: {"company-data": {"conformed-name": "NATIONAL FUEL GAS CO", "cik": "0000070145", "assigned-sic": "4924", "irs-number": "131086010", "state-of-incorporation": "NJ", "fiscal-year-end": "0905"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-03880", "film-number": "061300356"}, "business-address": {"street1": "6363 MAIN STREET", "city": "WILLIAMSVILLE", "state": "NY", "zip": "14221-5887", "phone": "716-857-7000"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "6363 MAIN STREET", "street2": "6363 MAIN STREET", "city": "WILLIAMSVILLE", "state": "NY", "zip": "14221-5887"}}
text: National Fuel Gas Company (Form: 8-K)
  UNITED STATES
  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
  WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
  FORM 8-K
  CURRENT REPORT
  Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
  Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported):
  December 20, 2006
  National Fuel Gas Company
  __________________________________________
  (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
  New Jersey
  1-3880
  13-1086010
  _____________________
  (State or other jurisdiction
  _____________
  (Commission
  ______________
  (I.R.S. Employer
  of incorporation)
  File Number)
  Identification No.)
  6363 Main Street, Williamsville, New York
  14221
  _________________________________
  (Address of principal executive offices)
  ___________
  (Zip Code)
  Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
  716-857-7000
  Not Applicable
  ______________________________________________
  Former name or former address, if changed since last report
  Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to
  simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any
  of the following provisions:
  [  ]  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
  [  ]  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
  [  ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
  [  ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
  Top of the Form
  Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
  On December 20, 2006, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of National Fuel Gas Company (the "Company") set specific performance goals for fiscal year 2007 under the Company's Annual At Risk Compensation Incentive Program ("AARCIP") for Philip C. Ackerman, David F. Smith and Ronald J. Tanski.  Mr. Ackerman is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  Mr. Smith is President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and President of National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation ("Supply Corporation") and Empire State Pipeline ("Empire"), the Company's pipeline and storage subsidiaries.  Mr. Tanski is Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer of the Company and President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation ("Distribution Corporation"), the Company's utility subsidiary.
  These three officers will earn cash compensation in fiscal 2007 under the AARCIP depending upon their performance relative to their goals.  Compensation amounts pursuant to these arrangements can range from zero to 200% of salary for Mr. Ackerman, from zero to 140% of salary for Mr. Smith and from zero to 130% of salary for Mr. Tanski.  Target compensation is 100% of salary for Mr. Ackerman, 70% of salary for Mr. Smith and 65% of salary for Mr. Tanski.  The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may approve other compensation or awards at its discretion.
  The goals for Mr. Ackerman relate to Company earnings per share (weighted as 60% of the formula), proved developed and undeveloped reserves (weighted as 25% of the formula), long-term strategy, succession planning and long-term incentive compensation (weighted as 10% of the formula), safety (weighted as 2.5% of the formula), and customer service (weighted as 2.5% of the formula).
  The goals for Mr. Smith relate to Company earnings per share (weighted as 55% of the formula), long-term strategy (weighted as 15% of the formula), proved developed and undeveloped reserves (weighted as 15% of the formula), oil and natural gas production volume (weighted as 10% of the formula), and safety (weighted as 5% of the formula).
  The goals for Mr. Tanski relate to Company earnings per share (weighted as 30% of the formula), earnings per share of Supply Corporation, Empire and Distribution Corporation (weighted as 30% of the formula), safety (weighted as 10% of the formula), rate case standards (weighted as 10% of the formula), long-term strategy (weighted as 10% of the formula), and various aspects of the Company's relations with investors and with analysts who cover the Company (weighted in the aggregate as 10% of the formula).
  Top of the Form
  SIGNATURES
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
  	registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
  	undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
  National Fuel Gas Company
  December 27, 2006
  By:
  James R. Peterson
  Name: James R. Peterson
  Title: Assistant Secretary