Denton, TX, Contemplates, but Rejects Fracking Ban | Russell T. Rudy Energy LLC
At a meeting attended by an estimated 500 people, with 100 scheduled speakers, the Denton city council rejected a permanent fracking ban by a vote of 5-2 according to “Rigzone”. Almost 2,000 proponents had signed a petition advocating the ban. Industry groups (including the Texas Oil and Gas Association), regulators (including the Texas Railroad Commission) and mineral interest owners all opposed the ban and warned of litigation if the ban were implemented. Apparently fear of litigation and the costs involved for the city influenced the vote of some council members. In response to the petition, the city had previously instituted a temporary ban which will expire in September. Denton sits atop the Barnett shale, one of the largest shale gas reservoirs in the U. S. While some residents advocated the fracking ban, others realized the economic benefits to the city should gas development proceed.
