La. Court Refuses to Cancel Existing Lease for Lack of Shale Exploration

SHREVEPORT, La. - A Louisiana appellate court has reversed an order partially terminating a 23-year-old mineral lease for lack of shale gas exploration, finding that the leaseholder's "indifference" fell far short of the criteria necessary to allow for cancellation of drilling rights. Ferrara, et al. v. Questar Exploration and Production Co., et al., No. 46,357-CA (La. Ct. App., 2nd Cir.).

The Second Circuit Court of Appeal's June 29 opinion reversed a trial court decision for landowners Santo and Annie W. Ferrara and reinstated in full the lease held by Questar Exploration and Production Co.

Questar acquired rights to the Ferrara …