Tucker et al v. Southwestern Energy Company et al

Filing 109

ORDER taking under advisement 106 plaintiff's emergency motion to Stay consideration of BHP Billiton's motion to dismiss; granting 107 Motion to Quash; and cancelling the deposition noticed for May 14, 2012. Pltfs should respond to BHP Billiton's motion by May 21, 2012, with BHP Billiton's reply being due seven calendar days after pltfs respond. BHP Billiton should file an expedited response to the motion to stay consideration of the motion to dismiss by May 21, 2012. Pltfs' reply is due seven calendar days after BHP Billiton responds. Signed by Judge D. P. Marshall Jr. on 5/11/12. (kpr)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS

NORTHERN DIVISION

JAMES TUCKER; MINDY TUCKER;
RONALD HOLLARS; FRANCES
ANN HOLLARS; PHILLIP BERRY and
PEGGY BERRY

v.

PLAINTIFFS

Nos. 1:11-cv-44-DPM
1:11-cv45-DPM

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY CO.;

CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORP.;

and BHP BILLITON PETROLEUM

(FAYETTEVILLE) LLC

DEFENDANTS

ORDER

BHP Billiton's motion to quash and for protective order, Document No.
107, is granted for good cause shown. The deposition noticed for 14 May 2012

is cancelled. By the current due date, which the Court believes to be 21 May
2012, Plaintiffs should respond as best they can to BHP Billiton's motion. BHP
BilUton's reply is due seven calendar days after Plaintiffs respond.
When the Court received BHP Billiton's motion last week, it began
considering and researching whether the motion was actually one for
summary judgment. The motion seemed a bit long on facts and exhibits. This

mayor may not be appropriate in the circumstances; the Court needs some
time to decide. After the parties complete their briefing, the Court will
address, sooner rather than later, whether Rule 12 or Rule 56 applies. In the
mean time, discovery as to BHP BHliton is stayed.
Plaintiffs' emergency motion to stay consideration of BHP BHliton's
motion to dismiss, Document No. 106, will hang fire. BHP Billiton should file
an expedited response by 21 May 2012. Plaintiffs' reply is due seven calendar
days after BHP Billiton responds.
So Ordered.

f2-..

J)PvV;Pv1d J(

D.P. Marshall Jr.

United States District Judge

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