Gas Drilling

The Arlington City Council approved a fracking zone near homes and schools, despite residents' objections. It's a victory for TotalEnergies, facing legal challenges over horizontal drilling. Texas law limits city control over drilling, influencing the council's 8-1 vote pending final approval.

A fracking watchdog group in Arlington opposes the approval of seven new gas wells at the Rocking Horse site without public input. The site, near a daycare, required only administrative approval due to a 2013 permit. The group urges public hearings, citing health risks and demanding stricter setbacks.

A grassroots group in Arlington successfully opposed a French energy company's proposal for new gas wells near a daycare. The City Council voted 6-3 against it amid health, pollution, and racial injustice concerns, with testimonies highlighting the impacts on vulnerable communities.

Katharine Hayhoe, a renowned climate scientist, addressed a sold-out audience in Dallas, emphasizing the personal impact of climate change. She highlighted Texas’ extreme weather events and urged for emissions reduction and adaptation. Stressing Texas’ potential for renewable energy, she advocated for dialogue on climate issues to enhance resilience.

Total, a top gas driller, won City Council approval to waive Arlington’s 600-foot setback rule, despite the protest of over 80 residents. Although Arlington had denied a similar application in February, Total’s revised proposal passed 7-1. The decision sparked public health and safety concerns.

Protestors opposed a gas drilling setback waiver during an Arlington City Council hearing, which was delayed to May 22 for more information. Total seeks to drill within 324 feet of homes, despite a denied request in February. Activists cite health risks, while some support the drilling.

The EarthxFilm festival awarded its top prize to *Unfractured*, a documentary directed by Chanda Chevannes about biologist-turned-activist Sandra Steingraber. Highlighting the human cost of activism, the film supports grassroots anti-fracking efforts, notably in Texas, with Chevannes dedicating the award to Liveable Arlington.

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.

Like a cold lab room, the weather was fittingly chilly and gray for the March for Science in DFW on Earth Day morning. And while the message was serious, there was plenty of heartwarming humor to be found at marches held in Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton and Sherman.

A natural gas company wants to put a wastewater injection well in east Fort Worth next to Lake Arlington, a major water source for North Texas. The proposed site is located near the intersection of Cravens and Berry Streets, about 9,000 feet from Lake Arlington Dam, according to the city of Arlington.