Ever since the large natural gas field was discovered underneath our home of Denton County, the balance of maintaining a safe and nurturing environment while at the same time allowing North Texas to reap the tremendous economic benefits that our natural resources provide has been a top priority for our community. Over the past few years, much dedication and hard work has been put toward ensuring that urban gas drilling operations take into consideration the health and overall well-being of the communities surrounding it. Open dialogue between the community and the industry coupled with enhanced oversight has helped us take significant steps toward reaching our goals.
The recently concluded 82nd Legislative Session was a major victory for managing urban drilling operations. Legislation was passed to fund up to 20 additional air quality monitors in the Barnett Shale region. Additionally, Texas became the first state in the nation to require companies who use the hydraulic fracturing process to discolse the ingredients that comprise their fracking fluid. This, of course, is on top of the work accomplished by many local officials and industry leaders in proactivly reforming pipeline policies in North Texas.
Two Texas government agencies regulate drilling activities in the Barnett Shale. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is charged with monitoring air quality and other environmental measurments, including those for odor and noise. The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) monitors surface and subsurface water, permits and site inspections.
Click through to the following pages covering the state agencies charged with overseeing efforts in the Barnett Shale:
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
Texas Railroad Commission (RRC)
Latest News About the Barnett Shale:
The Texas Way
On July 15th I was pleased to join several colleagues in the Texas House, Senator Jane Nelson and Governor Rick Perry for a historic day in Texas. Together we all celebrated Governor Perry cultivating the work of the Texas Legislature by signing three important bills into state law: House Bill 3328, Senate Bill 20 and [...]
Governor Perry Signs Fracking Disclosure Law and Other Related Bills
DENTON – Gov. Rick Perry today ceremonially signed House Bill 3328 and Senate Bills 20 and 527, which will increase transparency in energy production and enable Texas to remain the nation’s energy leader. The governor was joined by Reps. Jim Keffer, Tan Parker and others for the signing ceremony. “Texas’ energy sector continues to fuel [...]
Commissioners Join Forces With State Representative
“I am very happy Rep. Parker filed these bills,” said Commissioner Andy Eads. “I think it’s important to get behind these two bills.”
House Bills Target Urban Drilling
Dallas Morning News By Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe A pair of bills and an appropriations rider pending in the Texas Legislature could bring more vigorous inspections to natural gas production facilities in urban parts of the Barnett Shale area. Rep. Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound, introduced two bills Friday that make state inspections a priority in urban counties [...]
Parker Files Bills that Promotes Safe Drilling Practices
“Ever since the largest natural gas field in Texas was discovered underneath our home of Denton County, the balance of maintaining a safe and nurturing environment while drilling in an urban setting has been a major priority for me and my community. I believe this legislation will continue to promote the highest safety standards necessary for harvesting natural gas in urban areas,” said Parker.
