Ackerman v. Exxonmobil Corp.

Affirmed by published opinion. Chief Judge TRAXLER wrote the opinion, in which Judge GREGORY concurred.

Judge DUNCAN wrote a separate opinion concurring in the judgment.

TRAXLER, Chief Judge:

ExxonMobil Corporation (“Exxon”) and John R. Hicks (together, “Defendants”) appeal a district court order abstaining from exercising jurisdiction under the Colorado River doctrine in a case brought against Defendants. See Colorado River Water Conservation Dist. v. United States, 424 U.S. 800, 96 S.Ct. 1236, 47 L.Ed.2d 483 (1976). Finding no reversible error, we affirm.

I

In June 2004, hundreds of residents of…