As I understand it, there are certain covenents, both implied and expressed (written) when dealing with oil and gas leases. Implied covenents include that the lessor will conduct business as any "Prudent Operator" would, which should mean that they would do everything within their resources to maximize the benefit of all parties. They are also bound by the implied covenent to prevent "Drainage" from occuring. In other words, not being able to drill on the section adjoining you so as to drain the resources from a more convenient or less costly location. I realize that certain situations would have to occur for the implied covenent to be enforceable. Now to my situation. I own a small royalty interest in a tract in Beckham County, Oklahoma. The tract sits right on top of the core of the "Hogshooter Wash" which is one of the highest producing oil plays discovered in Oklahoma in quite some time. Wells averaging 500-700 barrels a day after thirty or more days of production. SM Energy is the operator of the well in my tract. The well was drilled in the early 1970's and produces so little gas that the only possible reason to keep it pumping would be to keep the lease in force. I have ask SM Energy if they plan to drill a new well on the tract since the discovery of "Hogshooter" as well as new technology and have been told twice now that they do not. In my research, I just recently found out why. They have just recently completed two new wells just over a mile from my tract. At the very least it appears that SM Energy is in violation of the two covenents that I quoted above. Does anyone know a reputable attorney in Oklahoma that would be willing to take on a big company on these grounds. I would expect the attorney would have to count on "punitive" damages for his pay.