Gas drilling in the Barnett Shale and elsewhere in Texas is coming under more and more scrutiny as residents learn about the problems that come with mailbox money. Those range from emitting dangerous pollutants into the air, earth and water systems, to noise, ruined roads, eminent domain property condemnation, occasional explosions and a host of other quality of life and health issues.
But the drilling is not going to stop. So watchdog groups have ratcheted up their attention to drilling. The newest group to do so is the Texas Oil and Gas Accountability Project, launched by the well-respected environmental group Earthworks.
Their first meeting will take place via conference call on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 1 PM Central Time. Presenters will include DISH Mayor Calvin Tillman and Fort Worth’s Don Young, and on hand to answer questions will be Sharon Wilson, Texas OGAPs organizer, Wilma Subra, Earthworks board member, and Fort Worth State Rep. Lon Burnam, among others.
The first meeting is limited to media, but I can promise you that the public will be hearing from this group before long.