"As energy companies attempt to extend some oil and gas leases because of New York's hydraulic fracturing moratorium, local law firms are trying to assemble groups of landowners to fight those claims in federal court.

Hundreds of local landowners have received letters from natural gas companies over the past two years claiming "force majeure" on their expiring leases, many of which are a decade old and signed for just a few dollars per acre.
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The state Attorney General's Office reached a $192,500 settlement in 2009 with Fortuna Energy (now Talisman) on extension claims made by the company on leases that did not have a force majeure clause. They are still reviewing other cases.

"We are aware of the situation and we are continuing our review," said Michelle Duffy, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. ..."

http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20110215/NEWS01/102150396/1...|head

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