Circuit judge considers oil drilling lawsuit

ROCHESTER HILLS (AP) - An Oakland County judge is considering a lawsuit over oil drilling brought by a group of Rochester Hills citizens against city officials. The Oakland Press reports Judge James Alexander heard arguments from both sides Wednesday in the case brought by grassroots group Don't Drill the Hills. The group says leaders defied the city's charter by approving oil and natural gas leases to a Traverse City-based company in 2013 without letting the public vote on the issue. Jordan Development Co. acquired the mineral rights to more than 60 acres of city-owned land and is a co-defendant in the case. City attorney John Staran says he thinks Alexander will rule in the city's favor. Rochester Hills is now under a six-month moratorium on oil and gas drilling. Published: Fri, Oct 10, 2014