Sutton v. Atlantic Richfield Co.

OPINION

HATTER, District Judge.

THE PETROLEUM MARKETING PRACTICES ACT

The Petroleum Marketing Practices Act of 1978 (“PMPA”), 15 U.S.C. §§ 2801-2805, remedied what Congress perceived as a disparity in bargaining power between oil companies (“franchisors”) and their retail service station franchisees (“franchisees”). PMPA prohibits franchisors from failing to renew franchises, except on specific grounds. 15 U.S.C. § 2802(a)(2) & (b)(1)(B). Franchisors must give franchisees 90 days written notice of intent not to renew and the reasons for not renewing. 15 U.S.C. §§ 2802(b)(1)(A) & 2804(a)(1) &…