By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/texas-energy-group-asks-court-stop-fracking-ban Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Texas energy group asks court to stop fracking ban Nation Nov 5, 2014 1:30 PM EDT DENTON, Texas — An energy industry group has responded quickly after voters in a North Texas city approved a ban on new permits for hydraulic fracturing, asking for an injunction to stop the measure from being enforced. The vote made Denton, which sits atop a natural gas reserve, the first city in Texas to pass such a ban. An attorney for the Texas Oil and Gas Association, Tom Phillips, said Wednesday the courts must “give a prompt and authoritative answer” on whether Denton voters had the authority to do so. The gas fields under Denton have produced $1 billion in mineral wealth and pumped more than $30 million into city bank accounts. Property rights in Texas are split between the land and the minerals below. Phillips says the ban violates the Texas Constitution. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
DENTON, Texas — An energy industry group has responded quickly after voters in a North Texas city approved a ban on new permits for hydraulic fracturing, asking for an injunction to stop the measure from being enforced. The vote made Denton, which sits atop a natural gas reserve, the first city in Texas to pass such a ban. An attorney for the Texas Oil and Gas Association, Tom Phillips, said Wednesday the courts must “give a prompt and authoritative answer” on whether Denton voters had the authority to do so. The gas fields under Denton have produced $1 billion in mineral wealth and pumped more than $30 million into city bank accounts. Property rights in Texas are split between the land and the minerals below. Phillips says the ban violates the Texas Constitution. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now