United States v. Exxon Corp.

MEMORANDUM OPINION

FLANNERY, District Judge.

I. Introduction

The government (“DOE”) initiated this suit to recoup overcharges in the sale of oil allegedly caused by Exxon as the operator of the Hawkins Field Unit. In August, 1980, Exxon filed this motion to dismiss, arguing that working interest and royalty owners of various tracts in the Field Unit are indispensable parties under Rule 19 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Because the court cannot obtain personal jurisdiction over most of these interest owners, Exxon maintains, the suit should be dismissed in toto, or, at a minimum, the…