CNX Resources Corp. v. Capital & Main

On February 12, 2026, the parties stipulated to the dismissal with prejudice of the lawsuit after they agreed to a settlement. The stipulation did not report on the terms of the settlement, but CNX <a href="https://www.positiveenergyhub.com/cnx-resolves-defamation-lawsuit-with-capital--main">announced</a> the settlement on its “Positive Energy Hub” site, stating that Capital & Main had added the following editor’s note to the <a href="https://capitalandmain.com/pennsylvania-gas-driller-our-operations-pose-no-health-risk-you-cant-be-serious-activists-say">article</a>: “Capital & Main did not state, and did not intend to imply, that CNX fabricated any reported data in its Radical Transparency program. Further, Capital & Main did not state, and did not intend to imply, that CNX engaged in manipulation of the stock market or any improper attempts to influence its ratings or stock values. Capital & Main has no facts or basis to believe that any fabrication of data or market manipulation occurred.”

On September 23, 2025, CNX Resources Corporation (CNX), a Pennsylvania natural gas producer, filed a defamation lawsuit in the federal district court for the Western District of Pennsylvania against Capital & Main, which the complaint alleged was “a California-based environmental media outlet that is funded by renewable energy interests.” The complaint alleged that Capital & Main published a “hit piece” about CNX’s “Radical Transparency” program, which the complaint describes as involving monitoring and real-time reporting on air quality, waste, and water quality at certain gas well pads. The complaint alleged that the article “serves as the mouthpiece for certain … climate and renewable energy activists to make false and defamatory statements regarding CNX” and a report on the Radical Transparency program. The complaint alleged that “[w]hile Capital & Main and the renewable energy activists quoted in the Article may have the right to criticize the methodology of the Report or the conclusions drawn in the Report, the Article became legally actionable when it published purportedly fact-based statements accusing CNX of such serious business misconduct as alleged fabrication of data and alleged securities market manipulation in connection with the release of the Report.” CNX sought damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, such other relief as the court deemed appropriate.