Both Sides in Pa. Hydraulic Drilling Dispute Move for Protective Orders

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Plaintiffs and defendants in a Pennsylvania lawsuit over alleged environmental damage from the gas industry's shale extraction methods have asked the court for protective orders, saying that despite efforts at negotiation, they have been unable to agree. Fiorentino, et al. v. Cabot Oil and Gas Corp., et al., No. 3:09-cv-02284-JEJ (M.D. Pa.).

Briefs supporting the motions by defendants and plaintiffs were filed on March 30 and 31, respectively, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, which is hearing the dispute over alleged "fracking" damage to residents of Dimock, Pa.

Defendants Cabot Oil & …