The fight between the city of Mustang and Tulsa-based Citizen Energy could be headed back to Canadian County district court.
Chief Justice Douglas Combs of the Oklahoma Supreme Court recently signed an order denying a request by Citizen Energy to have the Supreme Court assume jurisdiction. It means the case is likely headed back before Canadian County District Judge Paul Hesse.
However, a supreme court referee has heard oral arguments in the case and is preparing a written recommendation to the court. Some reports indicate it could be several months before the court gets the recommendation.
It was Judge Hesse who granted a temporary restraining order last year to Mustang as it sought to enforce certain drilling restrictions on Citizen Energy. The drilling company has fought the restrictions which included a 16-foot tall sound barrier around the drilling sites approved by the city. Trucks going to and from the drilling sites were also under restrictions.
When Judge Hesse approved the order in favor of Mustang, Citizen Energy went to the Supreme court and in January asked for it to assume jurisdiction. The Tulsa company also said the judge “exercised judicial powers not granted by law.”
