Range Resources, Corporate Bullies?

Marcellus Shale innovator Range Resources, based in Southpointe, was criticized by a Wall Street investment website last week for taking a "shock-and-awe approach to dealing with anyone who questions the safety of its fracking operations."

According to The Motley Fool story titled "Are Corporate Bullies Bad Investments?," Range Resources has "sued or intimidated activists, homeowners, and public officials, sometimes for little more than asking questions."

The website sites the company's suit against Robinson Township in Washington County, as well as other incidents.

"Range should pick on someone its own size," the website noted. "Naturally, the company calls this characterization unfair."

As of last week, township officials said they still had no idea what the basis of a lawsuit would be.

An email to Range Resources spokesman Matt Pitzarella seeking comment on the story was not immediately returned.