Nine Texas Issues to Watch in ’09 Legislature
Natural gas regulation
7. With Barnett Shale natural gas drilling still going hot and heavy in North Texas, and more gas pipelines being built, expect a flurry of bills related to gas drilling, production and distribution. Residents of urban neighborhoods have been shocked to learn that a gas company — through power of eminent domain — can lay a sizable pipeline under their property whether they like it or not.Fort Worth and other cities want more control over the routing of pipelines, and they support more Texas Railroad Commission funding for inspecting wells and minimizing drilling’s pollution to groundwater and air.
Stricter regulation is needed, but it shouldn’t become so restrictive that it significantly discourages drilling.
Add to that, closed loop systems with
About Sharon Wilson
Sharon Wilson is considered a leading citizen expert on the impacts of shale oil and gas extraction. She is the go-to person whether it’s top EPA officials from D.C., national and international news networks, or residents facing the shock of eminent domain and the devastating environmental effects of natural gas development in their backyards.
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