Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

NOTE 10 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In December 2012, Laborers’ International Union of North America Local Union No. 783 (“LiUNA”), an organized labor union, filed a petition in Mono County Superior Court, naming Mono County, California and the Company as defendant and real party in interest, respectively. The petitioners brought this action to challenge the November 13, 2012 decision of the Mono County Board of Supervisors in adopting Resolutions No. 12-78, denying petitioners’ administrative appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of Conditional Use Permit (“CUP”), adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and adoption of the final environmental impact report (“EIR”) for the Mammoth Pacific enhancement. The petition asked the court to set aside the approval of the CUP and adoption of the EIR and cause a new EIR to be prepared and circulated.

The Company believes that the petition is without merit and intends to respond and take necessary legal action to dismiss the proceedings. The Company responded to LiUNA’s petition. Filing of the petition in and of itself does not have any immediate adverse implications for the Mammoth enhancement.

In January 2014, the Company learned that two former employees alleged in a “qui tam” complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California that the Company submitted fraudulent applications and certifications to obtain grants. While the United States Department of Justice has declined to intervene, the former employees may proceed on their own. In April 2014, the Company was served and does not believe that the allegations of the lawsuit have any merit and will defend itself vigorously.

In addition, from time to time, the Company is named as a party in various other lawsuits, claims and other legal and regulatory proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business. These actions typically seek, among other things, compensation for alleged personal injury, breach of contract, property damage, punitive damages, civil penalties or other losses, or injunctive or declaratory relief. With respect to such lawsuits, claims and proceedings, the Company accrues reserves when a loss is probable and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. It is the opinion of the Company’s management that the outcome of these proceedings, individually and collectively, will not be material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements as a whole.