Item 3. Legal Proceedings
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
On March 10, 2021, Epsilon filed a complaint against Chesapeake Appalachia, LLC (“Chesapeake”) in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Scranton, Pennsylvania (“Middle District”). Epsilon claims that Chesapeake has breached a settlement agreement and several operating agreements (“JOAs”) to which Epsilon and Chesapeake are parties. Epsilon asserts that Chesapeake has failed to cooperate with Epsilon’s efforts to develop resources in the Auburn Development, located in Northeast Pennsylvania, as required under both the settlement agreement and JOAs.
Epsilon requested a preliminary injunction but was unsuccessful in obtaining that injunction. Epsilon filed a motion to amend its original Complaint. Chesapeake opposed. The Court ruled in Epsilon’s favor and allowed Epsilon’s amendment. Chesapeake moved to dismiss the amended Complaint. The Court granted the motion to dismiss on a narrow issue without prejudice to Epsilon’s right to file a new lawsuit based on new proposals made after the Court’s decision. Epsilon filed a motion for reconsideration of that decision, but the court denied the motion for reconsideration on January 18, 2022.
Epsilon filed a notice of appeal on February 15, 2022 challenging both the motion to dismiss and motion for reconsideration decisions. Chesapeake filed a cross-appeal on March 1, 2022. A briefing schedule was set and briefing closed October 14, 2022. Oral argument was held in January 2023. A decision on the appeal is not expected until mid-2023.
Epsilon re-filed a complaint against Chesapeake in the Middle District on May 9, 2022. Epsilon generally asserts similar claims as in the previous suit, pursuing declaratory judgment claims regarding Chesapeake’s obligation to Epsilon to cooperate with Epsilon’s efforts in the Auburn Development and regarding Chesapeake’s obstruction of Epsilon’s efforts with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection permitting process but not based on specific well proposals. Chesapeake filed a motion to stay pending a decision on the Third Circuit appeal, which was granted. The matter is stayed pending a decision from the Third Circuit.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
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PART II
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