Green River Formation Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Green River Formation Lawsuit Overview

The Green River Formation lawsuit focuses on oil companies’ allegedly fraudulent practices and underpayment of royalties to mineral interest owners. Filed in 2018 in federal court in Wyoming, the lawsuit involves resource extraction from this valuable geological formation spanning Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. The case remains pending, focusing solely on economic disputes rather than environmental impacts.

Latest Green River Formation Lawsuit Updates

October 17, 2024 – Opposition to lithium extraction near the Green River intensified throughout 2024, driven by environmental concerns, setting the stage for the recently filed legal challenge [1].

October 16, 2024 – A coalition of conservation groups has filed a lawsuit challenging Utah’s approval of groundwater extraction for a proposed lithium mine near the Green River, citing risks to ecosystems, farming, and Indigenous rights.

2018 – A group of mineral interest owners filed a lawsuit against oil companies operating in the Green River Formation, alleging fraudulent practices and underpayment of royalties. The case is currently pending in federal court in Wyoming.

The lawsuit specifically challenges the Enefit project in Utah’s Uintah and Piceance Creek Basins, which involves extracting billions of gallons of water from the Green River, potentially threatening endangered species and local ecosystems.

Environmental and Economic Statistics

The Green River Formation lawsuit involves environmental and economic statistics overseen by agencies like the BLM and FWS:

• The Green River Formation holds an estimated 3 trillion barrels of oil shale in-place, with up to 1.5 trillion potentially recoverable depending on technology and economic viability.
• The formation spans parts of southwestern Wyoming, northeastern Utah, and northwestern Colorado, encompassing three major basins.
• The extraction process, as proposed in projects like Enefit’s in Utah, requires billions of gallons of water annually from the Green River—estimated at 3.26 billion gallons per year for 30 years.
• Environmental groups are concerned about impacts on fossil fish preservation (e.g., Eocene specimens) and endangered species, including Colorado River fish like the Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker, due to habitat disruption and water depletion.

Green River Formation Injuries & Side Effects

The Green River Formation lawsuit addresses various potential injuries and side effects associated with oil and gas extraction in the region.

• Environmental Damage: Potential impacts on air and water quality affecting local ecosystems
• Wildlife Impacts: Threats to endangered species and disruption of habitats
• Public Health Issues: Some health impacts could be noticeable within weeks of extraction activities
• Economic Losses: Mineral interest owners suffering financial losses due to alleged fraudulent royalty practices

Do You Qualify for a Green River Formation Lawsuit?

You may qualify for the Green River Formation lawsuit if:

• You own mineral interests in the Green River Formation
• You received inadequate royalty payments from oil companies operating in the region
• You experienced property damage due to oil and gas extraction activities
• You suffered health issues linked to environmental degradation from extraction operations

Evidence Required for a Green River Formation Lawsuit

To support your claim in the Green River Formation lawsuit, you will need to provide:

• Documentation of mineral interest ownership
• Records of royalty payments received
• Evidence of property damage, if applicable
• Medical records documenting health issues related to extraction activities

Damages You Can Recover

Plaintiffs in the Green River Formation lawsuit may be eligible to recover:

• Unpaid or underpaid royalties
• Property damage compensation
• Medical expenses for health issues linked to extraction activities
• Punitive damages against responsible companies

Green River Formation Recall Information

While traditional product recalls do not apply to geological formations, the Green River Formation lawsuits and related legal actions could lead to significant changes in resource extraction practices and regulatory frameworks. Potential outcomes include the suspension of extraction activities in specific areas, particularly where environmental harm or legal violations are identified.

There may also be modifications to water usage permits, as excessive water consumption for mining and extraction has raised concerns about impacts on ecosystems and endangered species. Furthermore, increased regulatory oversight of extraction operations could be implemented to ensure compliance with environmental laws, such as the Clean Water Act and National Environmental Policy Act. These measures aim to address the ecological risks posed by resource extraction in the Green River Basin, a region spanning Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado.

Statute of Limitations for Green River Formation Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for joining the Green River Formation lawsuit varies by state, as the formation spans Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. Generally, claims must be filed within:

• Wyoming: 4 years for contract disputes, 4 years for fraud
• Utah: 6 years for contract disputes, 3 years for fraud
• Colorado: 3 years for contract disputes, 2 years for fraud

Consult with a qualified attorney to determine the specific deadline that applies to your situation.

Related Article: Oil Field Accident Lawsuit Update

FAQs

1. How Much Oil Is In The Green River Epoch Formation?

There are approximately 3 trillion barrels of oil in the Green River Epoch Formation. The amount of oil that can be extracted from the formation depends on factors such as the type of rock, the depth of the formation, and the presence of other hydrocarbons.

2. What Are the Damages Being Sought In The Lawsuit?

The damages being sought in the lawsuit include personal injury, property damage, and medical expenses. They are also seeking punitive damages.

3. What Are the Main Legal Issues in the Green River Formation Lawsuit?

The main legal issues in the Green River Formation lawsuit include ownership rights, environmental impacts, and regulatory compliance regarding the extraction and use of resources in the Green River Formation.

4. Who Are The Plaintiffs And Defendants In This Case?

The plaintiffs include mineral interest owners who allege underpayment of royalties, while defendants are oil companies operating in the Green River Formation. Environmental groups concerned about ecosystem impacts are also involved.

5. What Is The Green River Formation?

The Green River Formation is a geological formation spanning Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado that contains significant oil shale deposits, natural gas, and other valuable resources [2]. It was likely created rapidly due to a global flood event.

6. What Is The Current Status Of The Lawsuit?

The lawsuit was filed in 2018 and is currently pending in federal court in Wyoming. The case involves allegations of fraudulent practices and underpayment of royalties by oil companies.

7. What Legal Framework Governs This Case?

The legal framework includes environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Endangered Species Act, as well as contract and property law regarding mineral rights [3].

8. What Is The Average Settlement Amount?

The average settlement amount for the Green River Formation lawsuit is not publicly available at this time, as the case is still pending in federal court.

9. How Will This Lawsuit Impact The Energy Industry?

The lawsuit’s outcome could significantly impact future oil and gas development in the United States, potentially leading to stricter regulations for resource extraction and royalty payments.

10. How Can I Join The Lawsuit If I’m Affected?

If you believe you’re affected by issues related to the Green River Formation, contact an experienced attorney at Schmidt & Clark for a free consultation to determine your eligibility to join the lawsuit.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action related to the Green River Formation lawsuit. Depending on your state, you may have as little as 2-6 years from the date of injury or discovery of fraudulent practices to file your claim.

At Schmidt & Clark, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your potential claim
• No upfront costs or fees for our services
• Payment only if we win your case

Don’t delay in seeking the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys today to protect your rights and interests.

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See all related personal injury and accident lawsuits our lawyers covered so far.

Get A Free Consultation With Our Experienced Attorneys

If you are involved in the Green River Formation lawsuit or have concerns about the case, we encourage you to contact our experienced attorneys at Schmidt & Clark, LLP for a free consultation.

They can help you navigate the Green River Formation’s complexities and discuss your legal options. Contact us today by phone or email to schedule your free consultation.

References:

[1] https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2024/10/17/lithium-mining-near-green-river/ 

[2] https://www.britannica.com/place/Green-River-Formation 

[3] https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/RL30798.pdf