On-site Testing Disputes Lead Pa. Defendants to Move for Sanctions

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Cabot Oil & Gas has asked a federal court to revoke the pro hac vice status of counsel for Pennsylvania residents claiming water contamination from Cabot's gas exploration efforts, saying the sanction is warranted for counsel's alleged obstructionist behavior during court-approved, on-site testing and other discovery. Fiorentino, et al. v. Cabot Oil and Gas Corp., et al., No. 3:09-cv-02284 (M.D. Pa.).

Cabot and co-defendant GasSearch Drilling Services Corp. filed the motion on Jan. 3 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, telling the court that much of plaintiffs' counsel's alleged misbehavior has been …