Range Resources Agrees to $22 Million Settlement with Pa. and Ohio Landowners

PITTSBURGH - A federal judge has approved a settlement estimated at $22 million between Range Resources-Appalachia and Pennsylvania and Ohio landowners who disputed the company's expense calculations in assessing royalties owed for natural gas wells. Frederick v. Range Resources-Appalachia, LLC, No. 08-288 (W.D. Pa.).

Judge Sean J. McLaughlin of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania signed an order approving the settlement between class members and Range Resources on March 17.

The agreement provided for an initial payment of $1.75 million and amends existing minerals leases to cap post-production deductions at a level that will bring an …