<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.4
<SEQUENCE>8
<FILENAME>0008.txt
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT OF RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
<TEXT>

<PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 23.4

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
                   ------------------------------------------


     We hereby consent to incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-8 of our reserve reports to the interest of Plains Resources
Inc. and its subsidiary Plains Illinois Inc. (collectively, the "Company") dated
March 2, 2000, March 3, 2000 and March 8, 2000, relating to the estimated
quantities of certain of the Company's proved reserves of oil and gas and the
related estimates of future net revenue and present values thereof for certain
periods, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1999, as well as in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements of the Company in such annual report.  We also consent to references
to our firm under the heading "Interests of Named Experts and Counsel".


                                    RYDER SCOTT COMPANY, L.P.


Houston, Texas
September 11, 2000
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>