Apr 12, 2013 2 min read

Range Resources has appealed the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records denial of the gas drilling company’s request for Cecil Township to turn over records.

On Friday, Range filed a petition in the Washington County Court of Common Pleas for a review of the OOR’s determination.

Range believes the records would prove supervisors violated the state Sunshine Act by holding unadvertised meetings and making decisions behind closed doors.

In October 2012, Range had filed a right-to-know request with the township seeking any records of meetings, including executive sessions, meeting minutes and correspondence from township officials regarding Range Resources.

The township released some information to Range on December 10, but declined to provide certain other documents, citing attorney-client privilege and stating that Range’s request was too vague and too broad.

In response, Range filed an appeal with the OOR.

In March, the OOR sided with Cecil Township and denied Range’s request to have the township turn over the rest of the documents.

Range contends that the OOR’s final determination contained several errors, including its findings that the township met its burden to shield certain records under attorney-client privilege and to withhold records.

“The company believes transparency will allow everyone to move forward in a way that maximizes the tremendous benefits from shale, in a manner most harmonious with the community,” said Range Resources spokesman Matt Pitzarella. “While we have incredible relationships in virtually all of the communities where we work, there’s no denying that there have been some starts and stops in Cecil; we’re trying to better understand the issues and this information will allow for that in a transparent manner.”