Natural gas is the key to fueling global energy demands and fostering economic growth, outgoing ConocoPhillips CEO Jim Mulva told the World Petroleum Congress this morning. But in a speech before the 20th annual gathering in Doha, Qatar, Mulva also warned that government policies favoring renewable energy or hindering natural gas extraction could stifle production and use of the fossil fuel. “Nature has given mankind the gift of natural gas,” Mulva said, according to prepared remarks. “Our hope now is: Please don’t let government mess it up.” Mulva’s message today echoes the themes of a nationwide advertising campaign ConocoPhillips launched...