HB 1556 is a bill authored by Lon Burnam that would require a 1200′ set back from gas wells near schools. Who wouldn’t want that? Right? Certainly all parents would want that. I’m sure all teachers would want that. And the Trustees we elect to make decisions in the best interest of our children would certainly want that. Oh wait…
It seems Trustees these days get to multitask like never before. Who knew you could be a FWISD Trustee and lobby for Chesapeake Energy at the same time.
Two FWISD Trustees, Judy Needham and Tobi Jackson apparently joined forces with Chesapeake Energy to oppose HB 1556 in the Texas House that would have kept gas drilling at least 1200 feet away from any school in Texas. Of course, Chesapeake opposed the bill. These Trustees wrote letters supporting Chesapeake’s position. When they got caught, through a Facebook posting where the Chesapeake lobbyist was bragging about having the letters in his pocket, they quickly “withdrew” their support.
Money was more important to these Trustees than a 1200 foot setback to keep our children safe. Considering what happened last night at the Arlington Chesapeake well, 1200 feet is not nearly far enough.
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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Outrageous! Chesapeake money has corrupted Fort Worth government at every level. It's too bad our AG himself is too corrupted by oil and gas money to investigate the corruption in Fort Worth.
I don't even live in Ft. Worth and this pisses me off. What business are you in FWISD, the education business or the gas business?
Don't forget who the AG is?? They will defend and help local gubment officials and entities–they are not there to help the local people!!
Where is all the revunue the gas well drilling is supposed to generate for the city of Fort Worth? The Fort Worth ISD is going to have to layoff more than any other school district in North Texas.