HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 3691-12-2008A RESOLUTION
NO 369112-2008
URGING LEGISLATIVE ACTION TO REQUIRE
THE RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS TO
PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT AND GATHER DATA ON
CHEMICALS USED FOR GAS PRODUCTION IN
THE BARNETT SHALE
WHEREAS, the City of Fort Worth, Texas, is a home-rule municipal corporation
located in Tarrant, Denton, Wise, and Parker Counties, created in accordance with the
provisions of Chapter 9 of the Local Government Code and operating pursuant to the
enabling legislation of the State of Texas, and
WHEREAS, the State of Texas through the Railroad Comrrussion of Texas has
overall regulatory responsibility for the safety of gas wells under its jurisdiction m the
United States, and
WHEREAS, the environmental impacts of production of natural gas from the
Barnett Shale spans 19 counties and municipalities in terms of air and water quality and
WHEREAS citizens of Fort Worth have a fear and concern regarding the chemicals
used in the natural gas dulling and production process and the potential health effects of air
water and soil contamination, and
WHEREAS Dallas-Fort Worth is anon-attainment area m terms of air quality' and
WHEREAS, natural gas production involves gas venting and flaring on drill sites,
ermssions from associated truck traffic, and the usage of chemicals that have the risk of
entering the surface or groundwater sources throughout the Barnett Shale area, and
WHEREAS, the Texas Railroad Comnssion has primary ~unsdiction over all
persons owning or operating pipelines and natural gas wells in Texas and may by rule
prescribe or adopt safety standards for the production and transportation of gas wells and gas
pipeline facilities that presumably includes environmental protection, and
WHEREAS, with the recent developments of mineral reserves within the Barnett
Shale, gas producing companies have dulled more than 9 801 wells, and
WHEREAS, the Railroad Commission of Texas reports that 9,500 gas wells
Statewide are orphaned, and
RESOLUTION NO 3691 12-2008
WHEREAS municipalities and counties, due to preemption, are limited m their
ability to respond effectively to regional environmental impacts of gas drilling and impose
uniform standards across the region.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS, THAT
SECTION 1.
The City Council of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, respectfully requests and urges the State
Legislature to require the Railroad Commission of Texas to prepare an environmental impact
study to evaluate the effects of natural gas production from the Barnett Shale on air water
and soil quality in this region, and to maintain and make available to the public a detailed
list of chemicals other than benign, innocuous or otherwise harmless substances for each
drill site m order to safeguard the interests of the public while allowing the appropnate
development of the state's natural resources.
SECTION 2.
This Resolution shall be effective from its date of adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Fort Worth, Texas,
on the 9th day of December 2008 ~
Heridnx; City
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City Secretary of the
City ®t Fort ~Yorth, Texas
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APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
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City Attorney