Town of Frederick v. North American Resources Co.

Opinion by

Judge VOGT.

The issue in this case is whether, and if so, to what extent, a local government may regulate the drilling of oil and gas wells within its boundaries. Plaintiff, the Town of Frederick, appeals the trial court’s summary judgment invalidating certain provisions of its ordinance that required oil and gas operators, including defendant, North American Resources Company (NARCO), to obtain a permit before drilling a well in the Town. NARCO cross-appeals the trial court’s determination on summary judgment that the balance of the ordinance was enforceable and that the Town was…