Gas, Gas, And More Gas!
It’s still early, but we can provide you with an overview of some of the cases we’ll be following in the fall, 2016 term. So far the Supreme Court has scheduled argument for five days in September and three days in October. It’s expected that three more argument days will be scheduled before the term ends on November 17th.
This term’s cases cover a broad array of topics. However, it appears that one topic will dominate--oil and gas law.
With the rise of Marcellus drilling in the Mountain State, it comes as no surprise that cases involving oil and gas issues are becoming more commonplace. There are a total of four cases on our proverbial radar. On September 7th, the Supreme Court will hear argument in Anderson v. Jones, No. 15-0460, a case involving mineral conveyance language in a deed. On September 14th, the case of Leggett v. EQT Production, No. 16-0136 will be heard. Leggett asks whether certain postproduction costs can legally be deducted from royalty payments. In Wilhelm v. Jay-Bee Productions, scheduled for argument on October 4th, the Court will consider the effects of a division order that allegedly conflicts with the terms of a lease. Finally, on October 5th, the Court will consider another issue involving a deed: did a 1930s deed reserve rights to coalbed methane? That case is Poulos v. LBR Holdings, No. 15-0907. We will be posting previews for each of these cases in the coming weeks.
Keep watching for more news regarding the upcoming term!
