Alex Mills
By Alex Mills
Voters in the city of Denton clearly don’t want drilling for oil and gas to continue in their fair city.
The vote wasn’t close. Fifty-nine percent voted to ban hydraulic fracturing (HF) inside the city limits of Denton.
A lot has been made of the distortions of facts regarding the environmental and financial impact by EarthWorks, the environmental group that put some $40,000 into the campaign.
Some of the allegations tossed around included that hydraulic fracturing contaminates water in the city of Denton.
Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick pointed out in a statement issued on Nov. 12 that there has never been a case where hydraulic fracturing has polluted groundwater.
“Since hydraulic fracturing became a widely used practice in Texas, it has been plagued by a cloud of misinformation, mainly due to groups more interested in scaring people than actually understanding the complex science of minerals extraction,” Craddick stated. “Setting the hyperbole aside reveals a simple truth: Hydraulic fracturing has never contributed to a single instance of groundwater contamination in Texas – never.”
A key reason for the great record is the diligence in oversight of the RRC that ensures the safety of oil and natural gas production statewide through a rigorous process of permitting, monitoring and inspecting operations, she said.
“Without exception, we hold companies accountable whenever water quality or production-related pollution is in question. Texas is our home, too. Our interests are your interests,” Craddick said.
She notes that the commission’s role centers on issuing drilling permits, overseeing them and regulating operators. Conversely, companies doing business here must comply with city ordinances and be good neighbors in the communities where they operate.
“The people of Denton need to know that the Railroad Commission of Texas is your ally – an informed partner in your efforts to preserve your public safety, while tapping the vast economic benefits that come with localized energy production, Craddick said. “In a world where misinformation and sensationalism too often drive the public discourse, let’s embrace the truth, adopt reasonable approaches to the challenges we face, and share the prosperity that follows.”
As a result of last week’s vote, it’s less likely a reasonable model of peaceful cooperation will be available to the people of Denton. In the meantime, Denton County will lose jobs, tax revenues, business development, and the other economic benefits that come with oil and gas production, our state’s most iconic and lucrative industry.
Alex Mills is President of the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers. The opinions expressed are solely of the author.
Speak Your Mind