David Poole, who led the legal fight at Range Resources to beat back accusations from the Environmental Protection Agency regarding water contamination in Parker County, was honored in Dallas last week for his work.
Poole was selected as outstanding general counsel/solo in the annual awards program sponsored by the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel and D CEO magazine."Solo" refers to the size of his office: He's a one-man legal shop at Range.Poole came to Range in 2008 after serving as general counsel at TXU Corp., which was sold to private equity investors in the biggest leveraged buyout in history. After the EPA issued an emergency order against Range in December 2010, blaming the Fort Worth-based drilling company for methane contamination in water wells, Poole hired four outside lawyers to help defend the company.But he remained personally involved in the case, he told D CEO, including making the opening statement at a hearing before the Texas Railroad Commission, which ruled in Range's favor.Range contended that the methane contamination was not related to drilling, alleged that a landowner created a deceptive video of flaming methane-contaminated water and countersued the property owner. In March, the EPA withdrew its emergency order."It was very much a heated battle, and it had casualties," Poole told D CEO, referring to Al Armendariz, the regional EPA administrator, who later resigned after a video surfaced of a 2010 speech in which he referred to "crucifying" companies to set a regulatory example. Poole said his philosophy is to admit when Range is wrong and strive to make things right, but "when we are right, we defend ourselves in a very aggressive way."Also receiving an award was Marcia Ceplecha, of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, as outstanding deputy or associate general counsel in a large legal department, for her work on the fighter jet maker's international deals. She said at the awards gathering at the Adolphus Hotel that she has even flown in an F-16 thanks to her husband, who is a pilot.-- Steve KaskovichTandy leather storeTandy Leather Factory in Fort Worth, a leather and leathercraft supplier to manufacturers, retailers and distributors, is building a store next to its headquarters along the south side of Interstate 20, just east of Interstate 35W.The 21,000-square-foot store will feature a meeting/classroom on the mezzanine level.Alliance Architects in Richardson designed the building, which is being built by Bob Moore Construction of Arlington.The project is scheduled to be completed in March.Japan cargo serviceDallas/Fort Worth Airport has landed another international carrier, but this one won't be carrying passengers.Nippon Cargo Airlines will start cargo service Nov. 5, with two flights each week to Japan. It will be the first direct freighter service between DFW and Japan."Opening more routes between Texas and Asia provides an excellent opportunity for regional businesses to ship goods quickly," said airport chief executive Jeff Fegan.Nippon Cargo will operate the route from Narita, Japan, to Chicago O'Hare and then to DFW. The return route will fly from DFW to Anchorage, Alaska, and then to Narita. The carrier said it will use a Boeing 747-400 on the route and eventually will use a Boeing 747-800.-- Andrea AhlesSandra Baker, 817-390-7727sabaker@star-telegram.comJim Fuquay, 817-390-7552jfuquay@star-telegram.comBarry Shlachter, 817-390-7718barry@star-telegram.comHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
