Gov. Jim Doyle had threatened to seek court orders compelling the executives to testify at Thursday's hearing in Milwaukee. But Janet Jenkins, administrator for the state's consumer protection division, said the governor does not want a lengthy delay in getting answers from the oil industry on high energy prices and was willing to hear from other company officials instead.

MADISON, Wis. (AP)—Chief executives from the nation's five largest oil companies have declined the governor's demand to appear at a Wisconsin hearing this week on high gasoline and natural gas prices, instead offering to send other company officials in their place.

Gov. Jim Doyle had threatened to seek court orders compelling the executives to testify at Thursday's hearing in Milwaukee. But Janet Jenkins, administrator for the state's consumer protection division, said the governor does not want a lengthy delay in getting answers from the oil industry on high energy prices and was willing to hear from other company officials instead.

Doyle announced subpoenas last month for the five executives, saying they owed Wisconsin consumers an explanation on high gas and heating prices in the wake of hurricanes that hit the Gulf Coast.