Valence Operating Co. v. Dorsett

In this case we construe the meaning of certain notice provisions of a commonly used oil and gás operating agreement. Working interest owner Elmagene Dorsett sued Valence Operating Company in a dispute arising from a joint operating agreement. The trial court granted partial summary judgment against Dorsett on her breach of contract claims, finding that Dorsett failed to consent to participate in the wells at issue, and that a contractual non-consent penalty for that failure was enforceable against her. The court of appeals reversed and rendered judgment in favor of Dorsett, holding that…