W.Va. Landowners Pursuing Fraud, Contract Claims Against Range Resources

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. - A federal court has denied motions by Range Resources-Appalachia to dismiss contract and fraud claims brought by West Virginia landowners who allege that Range has engaged in bid rigging and other illegal practices to prevent them from leasing land to other energy companies. Backwater Properties LLC, et al. v. Range Resources-Appalachia, et al., No. 1:10cv103 (N.D. W.Va.).

U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley did dismiss plaintiffs' Sherman antitrust cause of action for failure to make plausible allegations that Range formed a contract or conspiracy with another in violation of the act.

Backwater Properties LLC and Vance River …