Chesapeake Exploration Files Preemptive Suit Against Ohio Landowners

CLEVELAND - Chesapeake Exploration has filed a lawsuit against dozens of Ohio landowners and lessors, asserting that it has the right to extend existing oil and gas leases and asking a federal court to prevent defendants from taking any actions to terminate them. Chesapeake Exploration LLC, et al. v. Catlett Quality Plumbing & Heating Inc., No. 5:2012-cv-00188 (N.D. Ohio).

Chesapeake filed the lawsuit Jan. 25 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, naming 81 parties or couples as defendants.

CHK Utica LLC, also identified as an Oklahoma business, is co-plaintiff.

Chesapeake says it negotiated mineral …