MI HCR0058

Urges the Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Attorney General to investigate alleged price fixing and collusion among natural gas developers in Michigan's Utica-Collingwood fields.

References Reuters reporting that two major natural gas companies may have colluded to reduce lease prices, with average bids dropping from approximately $1,400 to $46 per acre within four months.

Alleges the collusion violates the federal Sherman Antitrust Act and may have cost Michigan citizens and the state tens of millions of dollars in lost lease payments and royalties.

Directs state authorities to work with appropriate federal authorities and pursue all available civil damages and criminal penalties if collusion is substantiated.

Requires copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Director of the Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Attorney General.