Fracking

The Arlington City Council denied Total E&P Barnett USA's request to reduce the gas drilling setback from 600 feet to 319 feet. The decision followed protests from local residents, Liveable Arlington, and the Dallas Sierra Club, highlighting growing concerns over gas drilling's dangers and community impact.

Harriet Varnum Irby, a prominent Arlington activist, dedicated four decades to environmental causes and fought against gas drilling despite her failing health. A memorial will be held on March 17 at First Jefferson Unitarian Universalist Church. Contributions can be made to the Harriet Varnum Irby Fund in her memory.

Ranjana Bhandari, leader of Liveable Arlington, opposes a drilling setback reduction to 319 feet by Total E&P Barnett USA. The Arlington City Council is voting on this issue, which could impact resident health. Bhandari, citing environmental dangers, hopes to sway council opinions against the permit.

Dallas-based activist Yolonda Blue Horse, known for her environmental and indigenous rights activism, will receive the Justice Seeker of the Year award at the 2017 Peacemaker Awards Banquet on Nov. 30. Her efforts include founding the Society of Native Nations and leading protests against pipelines threatening tribal lands.

Green Source DFW and the Memnosyne Institute screened 'Awake', a documentary about the Standing Rock protest, highlighting the reawakening of Native American pride. The film and an accompanying panel emphasized divesting from fossil fuel supporters, reclaiming power, and decolonizing language for sustained resistance.

Back in 2014, UNT grad student and videographer Garrett Graham was following a local campaign to pass a fracking ban in Denton. As he filmed, he thought he’d hit on the ultimate feel-good environmental documentary. The ban was passed in November 2014 and the activists won.

BlueStone Natural Resources withdrew its fracking disposal well application near Lake Arlington, alarming locals due to water safety concerns. The decision followed protests from residents and cities fearing H.B. 40 could override local bans. Liveable Arlington's Ranjana Bhandari credited community advocacy for the outcome.

In Dallas, about 300 people marched from Dealey Plaza to the EPA office during the North Texas People's Climate March, coinciding with President Trump's 100th day in office. This event, organized by the new Coalition for Environmental Justice - North Texas and including various partners, marked the coalition's first local activism effort.