Denton, Texas, February 18- The Denton Drilling Awareness Group (Denton DAG) today announced they are collecting signatures for a ballot initiative to ban hydraulic fracturing within city limits. If approved by voters, Denton would become the first major Texas city to ban fracking, and the first city in the country to ban fracking after permits had been previously granted.
“The city and the state have repeatedly failed us,” Maile Bush, whose family is impacted by fracking-enabled oil and gas development. She continued, “My family is breathing horrible fumes, we can’t enjoy our property and we’re trapped because no one else wants to live here. To protect our homes and our health, we’ve got no choice but to ban fracking.”
Denton DAG is comprised of members of the former Denton Drilling Advisory Group-which was formed at the request of a city government official to provide expert and public input while the city council developed drilling ordinances.
“We are out of options. The city is allowing fracking to happen right in our backyards, “ said Denton Drilling Awareness Group member Cathy McMullen. She continued, “When fracking-impacted residents call with problems, the city passes the buck.”
To get on the ballot, fracking-ban supporters must gather 571 signatures within 180 days. Denton DAG members have reason to expect they can exceed that mark, as increasing numbers of Denton residents are concerned about fracking in their neighborhoods.
“I’ve been working with Denton residents since 2009 trying to get the city to pass regulations that would allow drilling and still protect community health,” said Earthworks’ Texas Organizer Sharon Wilson. She continued, “Enough is enough. When this ban passes, the fracking industry will have its own bad behavior, and city’s stonewalling, to blame.”
Hundreds of municipalities across the country have passed bans or moratoriums on fracking, but none with the extent of fracking already occurring as Denton. There are more than 270 active gas wells within the city limits of Denton. Only new hydraulic fracturing operations would be banned by this initiative, active wells would keep operating.
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Denton Drilling Awareness Group (Denton DAG) is incorporated in Texas as a non-profit educational entity. Its mission is to promote awareness, spark discussion, and foster education and research about the drilling and production of natural gas and their impacts on public health, the environment, and property values in the city of Denton.
http://www.dentondag.org
Earthworks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the impacts of irresponsible mineral and energy development while seeking sustainable solutions.
http://earthworksaction.org
Blain Normand says:
More power to you.This could be a landmark move for all of us in Canada and the US.You will be fighting big oil so beware of dirty tricks.The Whole World Is Watching.
frackfreedenton says:
Thank you very much for your support!
Kathryn Cain says:
Put the petition on facebook. Proud of your efforts
frackfreedenton says:
Thank you for this suggestion Kathryn! We can post the text of the petition, however to follow procedure we must have everyone sign in person from a petitioner. Thank you for your support!
Karen says:
Lead the way, Denton! The devastation of the Earth must stop!
frackfreedenton says:
Thank you for your support!
jstephencleghorn says:
Go, go, go! Best of luck.
frackfreedenton says:
Thank you for your support!
cathy mcmullen says:
Tonight’s petitions signature gathering was a total success. We gathered a third of the signature requirements in 2 hours. You wishing us luck paid off.
erik says:
I fully support you and wish you success with the proposed ban. If I were a Denton resident, I would sign the petition in a heartbeat!
frackfreedenton says:
Thank you for your support!
cathy mcmullen says:
Realizing how much support we have makes all the hard work and sleepless nights worth it. We have to succeed because failure is not an option.