Gas driller refuses W.Pa. order to stop drilling

DARLINGTON, Pa. (AP) — A gas-drilling company is refusing to obey a cease-and-desist order issued by a western Pennsylvania township.

Darlington Township Solicitor Garen Fedeles says Chesapeake Energy is ignoring the stop-work order issued last Friday by a zoning officer.

Fedeles says town supervisors have approved taking the case to a civil court to seek fines against the company. Fedeles says Chesapeake has submitted an application for the drilling but hasn’t obtained the permit yet.

Chesapeake spokesman Jacque Bland says the company, based in Oklahoma City, believes it has a valid lease on the land and is thus entitled to drill. The company has also offered to discuss the issue further with the township.