Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Forms S-8 (No. 333-102627, No. 333-107990, No. 333-115628, No. 333-117425, No. 333-145004 and No. 333-166830) and on Form S-3 (No. 333-165263) of Plains Exploration & Production Company of our report dated February 24, 2011 relating to the consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Houston, Texas

February 24, 2011