Pennsylvania energy and environmental attorneys said the recent criminal charges filed by state Attorney General Kathleen Kane against Exxon Mobil subsidiary XTO Energy Inc. have raised concerns in the natural gas industry and beyond about the possibility of being unexpectedly hit with criminal action even after civil liability issues have been resolved.
Attorneys The Legal spoke to also said the matter demonstrates a lack of coordination between federal and state authorities and noted they were wary of Kane's attempt to bring criminal charges on a strict liability basis, without having to prove intent.
