Mealey's (October 10, 2016, 8:25 AM EDT) -- BILLINGS, Mont. — An insurer has no duty to defend an insured for an underlying suit arising out of the release of hydrocarbon vapors because the policy’s oil/gas exclusion clearly precludes coverage for the underlying suit, a Montana federal judge said Oct. 5 (Janson Palmer, et al. v. Northland Casualty Co., et al., No. 15-58, D. Mont.; 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 138556).

(Opinion available.  Document #03-161012-002Z.)

Janson Palmer and Janson Palmer d/b/a Black Gold Testing (collectively, Palmer) filed suit in the Valley County, Mont., 17th Judicial...