LEAWOOD, Kan. – Jan. 14, 2009 — Tortoise North American Energy Corp. (NYSE: TYN), today announced the tax characterization of the 2008 distributions paid to stockholders which were comprised of approximately 93.5 percent return of capital and 6.5 percent long-term capital gain.

Additional information regarding the tax characterization of the 2008 distributions is available at www.tortoiseadvisors.com. A copy of the information is also available upon request by calling (866) 362-9331.

Nothing contained herein or therein should be construed as tax advice. Consult your tax advisor for more information. Furthermore, you may not rely upon any information herein or therein for the purpose of avoiding any penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code.

About Tortoise North American Energy Corp.

Tortoise North American Energy Corp. is publicly-traded closed end fund focused on investing in equity securities of MLPs, including oil and gas exploitation, energy infrastructure and energy shipping companies.

About Tortoise Capital Advisors

Tortoise Capital Advisors, LLC is a pioneer in capital markets for master limited partnership (MLP) investment companies and a leader in closed-end funds and separately managed accounts focused on MLPs in the energy sector. As of Dec. 31, 2008, the adviser had approximately $1.4 billion of assets under management. For more information, visit our Web site at www.tortoiseadvisors.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction. Investors should consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of the fund carefully before investing. For this and other important information, investors should refer to the closed-end fund prospectus and read it carefully before investing.

Contact information

Tortoise Capital Advisors, LLC Pam Kearney, Investor Relations, (866) 362-9331, pkearney@tortoiseadvisors.com