What should we make of the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s order sending a suit alleging injuries from an earthquake back to the trial court? Did the court unleash the lions, tigers and bears of the litigation world … or not? At this point, the answer is, not much for an injection well operator to worry about
You Own the Oil. Do You Own the Rock?
Riddle: What’s the difference between a hydrocarbon molecule and the underground structure which the molecule inhabits?
Answer: In Texas, you can own one and not the other, according to Lightning Oil Co. v. Anadarko E&P Onshore LLC.
Dueling Estates
This was a subsurface trespass case between lessees on two adjacent mineral estates. The Cutlass
Listen to the Words In the Injunction Battle
If it’s an injunction you want, some words are your friend and others aren’t. For example:
“Imminent” = friend
“Might” = not friend
“Likely” = friend
“Could” = not friend
“Irreparable” = friend
“Money damages” = not friend
In Lightning Oil Company v. Anadarko E&P Offshore, LLC, the surface and 1/6 of the minerals
Avoid the Oral Agreement
Cresson SWD Services, L.P. vs. Basic Energy Services, L.P. is a warning about the perils of an oral agreement for a risky downhole procedure. Cresson hired Basic to make improvements on a saltwater disposal well by deepening the injection zone, inserting a liner, and cleaning out the hole to 8,600 feet.
The Claims
Cresson’s