Briggs v Southwestern Energy Production Company; Superior Court Addresses Rule of Capture in Light of Fracking Technology

No. 1,461 BRIGGS V. SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY PRODUCTION COMPANY, 2018 PA Super. 79 (2018) Southwestern was operating two gas wells on land adjacent to the Briggs families’ 11.07 acres.  The Briggs argue that the use of hydro fracking  by Southwestern robs them of their gas because the fracking process propels fluid and fracking materials across property […]

Marcellus Shell Games.

With over 150 years of experience in gas production, you would think that our region would be pretty comfortable with the subject. But apparently not. The recent boom in Marcellus Shale gas leasing and operation has stirred a lot of controversy. South Fayette Township recently joined a growing list of municipalities that are adopting comprehensive ordinances seeking to regulate the industry within its borders. Although the State has comprehensive regulations which would seem to pre-empt local ordinances, the courts have permitted local regulation. And the City of Pittsburgh and, recently, Wilkinsburg Borough have entirely banned Marcellus drilling from their jurisdiction. This is due to environmental concerns, including fears that fracking fluids will pollute our drinking water.

Welcome

CLIFF TUTTLE has been a Pennsylvania lawyer for over 45 years and (inter alia) is a real estate litigator and legal writer. The posts in this blog are intended to provide general information about legal topics of interest to lawyers and consumers with a Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania focus. However, this information does not constitute legal advice and there is no lawyer-client relationship created when you read this blog. You are encouraged to leave comments but be aware that posted comments can be read by others. If you wish to contact me in privacy, please use the Contact Form located immediately below this message. I will reply promptly and in strict confidence.

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