Citizens For Property Rights (CPR) Proposed New Gas Ordinance Threatens Your Rights -
Know The Truth Before Signing Their Petition

Dear Southlake Resident,

This communication affects you whether you support or oppose gas drilling in Southlake. Please consider the following in deciding whether or not to sign this petition.

What They Say: Our current ordinance does not allow gas drilling.

The Truth: Our current ordinance absolutely allows gas drilling. In fact, it is unlawful in our state to have an ordinance that does not permit gas drilling. Our current ordinance, which was unanimously approved by our city council, allows drilling but also protects our property values, health and safety.

What They Say: This petition proposes that the voters decide issues affecting Southlake by ballot, rather than leaving our fate in the hands of the government, without even mentioning gas drilling.

The Truth: That sounds reasonable on the surface but ignores the fact that this petition is entirely about rescinding our current gas drilling ordinance and replacing it with an ordinance that takes us back over 4 years and eliminates your opportunity to have any voice in drilling decisions that affect your family and property values. Critical decisions regarding how drilling occurs near your property will be made by the drill site land owner and drilling company. Finally, our local elected government's ability to regulate drilling operations in our city in any meaningful way will no longer exist. Beware of the omissions in their message.

What They Say: Prior City Council Decisions cost CISD $40MM in lost gas revenues.

The Truth: The $40MM figure makes the assumption that ALL 420 acres of CISD property could be accessed and 30 years of level production (impossible). This estimated figure would also require at least 6 drill sites and associated pipelines throughout our city. More accurately, based on normal well spacing, current natural gas prices, a 30 year producing life (again impossible) and normal gas production decline curve, CISD could expect to receive approximately $4 – 5 million (or $167,000 per year average) NOT $40 million. Keep in mind, CISD annual budget is $80MM. (Important to Note: CISD did not have an active lease when the Joe Wright permit was denied. CISD signed a mineral lease in 2008 and received a signing bonus of $4.5 million. The 3 year lease expired in early 2011. No lease = No lost gas revenues).

PLEASE DO NOT sign this petition. If you have already signed the petition and were not given the opportunity to review the entire 80+ page ordinance, you have the right to have your signature removed before the May 29th submission deadline.

• Please continue reading for additional detail.

This proposed ordinance would replace our current "best in class" ordinance and leave decisions regarding variances from our city ordinance up to the drilling company and "affected" land owners. Our Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council would have NO authority to make decisions on the dozens of variance requests that accompany applications to drill in our city. This is dangerous and irresponsible. The proposed ordinance would allow the drilling company and land owner to rewrite the code to their liking and compensate family, friends and neighbors for signing waivers without regard to the broader community impact. Variances affecting the broader community require your voice and a review by our elected officials and not just those who stand to gain financially.

Let’s keep Southlake the outstanding community that it is by maintaining the high standards in our current O&G ordinance, as set forth and approved by our entire City Council.

Thank You for Your Consideration,

STAND (Southlake Taxpayers Against Neighborhood Drilling) Directors