Exhibit 99.1

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                BANKRUPTUCY JUDGE DENIES USG MOTION FOR RECUSAL;
                         USG TO SEEK REVIEW OF DECISION

         CHICAGO, February 2, 2004 - Judge Alfred M. Wolin, the district court
judge who is presiding over the asbestos personal injury issues in the USG
(NYSE: USG) bankruptcy case, today denied a motion by USG to remove him from the
case. USG plans to seek review of the decision in the Third Circuit Court of
Appeals.

         In November 2003, USG and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors
in USG's bankruptcy cases filed motions to remove Judge Wolin from presiding
over USG's cases. Similar motions for removal were brought by certain creditors
in other asbestos-related bankruptcy cases assigned to Judge Wolin. All of these
motions were denied by Judge Wolin in the decision issued today.

         USG Corporation is a Fortune 500 company with subsidiaries that are
market leaders in their key product groups: gypsum wallboard, joint compound and
related gypsum products; cement board; gypsum fiber panels; ceiling panels and
grid; and building products distribution. For more information about USG
Corporation, visit the USG home page at www.usg.com.

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