Pennsylvania Sues Chesapeake Energy

One of the nation’s largest natural gas producers is being sued in Pennsylvania for allegedly bilking landowners out of fair prices for gas under their properties.

A lawsuit seeking restitution and civil penalties from Oklahoma City-Based Chesapeake Energy Corporation has been filed in Bradford County.

State Attorney General Kathleen Kane accuses the company of tricking landowners into signing one-sided leases in the early days of the Marcellus Shale play.

Chesapeake calls the allegations baseless.

A civil settlement is currently pending between Chesapeake and landowners, which Kane is looking to modify so her state suit can proceed.