Emerald Oil and Gas, L.C. Ex Rel. Saglio Partnership Ltd. v. Exxon Corp.

OPINION

Opinion by

Chief Justice VALDEZ.

Emerald Oil & Gas, L.C. (“Emerald”) sued Exxon Corp. and Exxon Texas, Inc., as successor in interest to Humble Oil & Refining Co. (“Exxon”), for wrongful conduct in plugging and abandoning oil and gas wells in the Mary Ellen O’Connor Field near Refugio, Texas. Emerald, who held mineral leases on the wells following Exxon, alleged that Exxon intentionally sabotaged the wells and misrepresented the status of the wells in public filings made with the Texas Railroad Commission. Specifically, Emerald alleged that Exxon cut casing without pulling or attempting…