"It was the first time in 12 years that Arlington opened new land for fracking. TotalEnergies will drill 10 new gas wells that are two-tenths of a mile from a daycare center amid an uptick in Barnett Shale activity."
"In the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the City Council of Arlington on Tuesday approved plans by French energy giant TotalEnergies to drill 10 new gas wells near a daycare center, residential neighborhoods and elementary schools.
It was the first time in nearly 13 years that Arlington, situated atop the gas-rich Barnett Shale, has approved a new tract of land for fracking, as America’s surging production of oil and gas continues to push record highs.
On Tuesday night, more than 30 residents spoke at City Hall against the proposal, citing concerns over air pollution, public health and childrens’ wellbeing. One person, an economist for the Texas Oil and Gas Association, spoke in favor of the new wells before the eight-member council passed it unanimously.
The new site, named Maverick, is located 910 feet from the nearest residence, 1,060 feet from the daycare center, 2,200 feet from one elementary school and 3,100 feet from another, according to a city report. It sits next to an existing drill site where Total previously tried to add new wells, but faced steep community resistance and two rejections from the council in a saga that drew national attention."
Dylan Baddour reports for Inside Climate News January 29, 2025.
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