EXHIBIT 6

LETTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN NUEVO ENERGY OMPANY AND RELATIONAL
                     INVESTORS, LLC, DATED

MARCH 29, 2000.

[Letterhead of Nuevo Energy Company]

March 29, 2000

Relational Investors, LLC
4330 La Jolla Village Drive
Suite 200
San Diego, CA  92212

Re:  Termination Agreement

Gentlemen:

Relational Investors, LLC ("Relational") recently requested
that Nuevo Energy Company ("Company") consider the termination
of the March 1, 1999 Letter Agreement between Relational and
the Company ("Letter Agreement").  Among other things, the
Letter Agreement sets out the duties and obligations of each
party upon election to the Board of a director proposed by
Relational.  The letter Agreement further required that the
director submit an undated letter of resignation.

Having fully considered the request submitted by Relational,
the Company concurs that the Letter Agreement should be
terminated and that the director should be permitted to
withdraw the undated letter of resignation.

Therefore, in consideration of the mutual benefits accruing
to each party, Relational and the Company agree that,
effective March 29, 2000, the Letter Agreement is cancelled
and terminated for all purposes and shall be of no further
force or effect.  Each party hereby releases the other from
any and all future obligations, duties or liabilities
associated with the Letter Agreement.  The undated letter of
resignation which was required by the Letter Agreement is
hereby voided and is deemed by the parties to be withdrawn
for all purposes.

If the foregoing accurately sets out our agreement, please
so indicate by executing both copies of this letter and
returning one copy to me.  This document may be executed
in two counterparts which together shall constitute a single
agreement.

Yours very truly


NUEVO ENERGY COMPANY
By:   /s/Douglas L. Foshee
      Douglas L. Foshee

Confirmed and agreed to as of
the date first written above,

RELATIONAL INVESTORS, LLC,
on behalf of itself and its affiliates,
associates, and David Batchelder.
By:   /s/David H. Batchelder