Energy companies settle alleged collusion case

Published April 24, 2013 1:30pm ET



GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) — Two energy companies have agreed to pay more than $1 million to settle allegations of collusion in acquiring federal oil and gas leases in Gunnison and Delta counties.

U.S. District Court Senior Judge Richard Matsch on Monday accepted a revised settlement under which SG Interests and Gunnison Energy each will pay $275,000 to settle a civil antitrust action in the case. In addition, the companies earlier this year paid $206,250 and $245,000, respectively, to settle alleged violations of the False Claims Act in connection with the leases.

According to the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel (http://tinyurl.com/d2vdgv5 ), the settlement resolves allegations involving four leases covering 3,568 acres in the Ragged Mountain area. Neither company admitted wrongdoing in the case.

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Information from: The Daily Sentinel, http://www.gjsentinel.com