Energy companies challenge Prague woman’s lawsuit

TULSA, Okla. (AP) – Two energy companies have asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by an Oklahoma woman who claims their practices caused an earthquake that injured her.

Lincoln County District Judge Cynthia Ferrell Ashwood took the matter under advisement after Wednesday’s hearing.

Sandra Ladra says a 5.6-magnitude earthquake near her hometown of Prague in 2011 was the result of companies pumping wastewater from the drilling process deep underground.

Ladra is suing Spess Oil in Cleveland, Oklahoma, New Dominion LLC based in Tulsa and 25 unnamed parties.

Scientists have linked wastewater injection with a sharp uptick of earthquakes in Oklahoma during the past few years.

Industry representatives say Ladra’s lawsuit could cripple the energy industry in the state.