Fort Worth Star Telegram 6/20/11Judge declines to dismiss EPA order against Range ResourcesA federal judge has declined to dismiss an emergency order that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued against Range Resources on Dec. 7, claiming that two of the company's natural gas wells "caused or contributed" to the contamination of two residential water wells in far south Parker County.
Senior U.S. District Judge Royal Furgeson also declined to impose financial penalties against Range that the EPA is seeking in contending that the Fort Worth-based natural gas producer failed to comply with the emergency order. The EPA issued the order after methane, the primary component of natural gas, was found in the wells.
In an order handed down Monday, Furgeson also issued a stay delaying any further action in the Dallas federal court case in which the EPA is requesting that the court enforce the emergency order against Range.
Furgeson said he wants to postpone proceedings in the Dallas court until after the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans issues a decision in a separate legal action filed by Range in which it seeks dismissal of the EPA emergency order on the grounds that the company was denied its constitutional right of due process by the agency.
Delaying action "is the most prudent course to take at this time," Furgeson said in his decision.
Well lets see how the first case gets handled by the 5th Circuit Court.
:shrug: