MI HR0297

Urges the Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Attorney General to investigate alleged price fixing and collusion among natural gas developers in Michigan.

References Reuters reporting that two major natural gas companies exchanged emails about avoiding driving up future bids, with average lease bids in the Utica-Collingwood fields dropping from approximately $1,400 to $46 per acre within four months.

Alleges the companies violated the federal Sherman Antitrust Act and potentially cheated Michigan citizens and the state out of tens of millions of dollars in lease payments and royalties.

Directs state officials to work with federal authorities and pursue all available civil damages and criminal penalties if the collusion allegations are substantiated.

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