Texas city leaders repeal voter-approved ban on fracking
DENTON, Texas — Leaders of a North Texas city have repealed a voter-approved ban on hydraulic fracturing by energy companies.
The Denton City Council early Wednesday voted 6-1 to drop the fracking ban. The Denton Record-Chronicle says council member Keely Briggs dissented.
Fracking involves blasting a mix of water, sand and chemicals into underground rock formations to release trapped oil and gas.
Voters in Denton approved the ban last November amid concerns that the process could damage the environment and causes earthquakes. The Texas General Land Office and the Texas Oil and Gas Association sued to block the ban.
Gov. Greg Abbott last month signed a law barring local ordinances that prevent fracking and other oil and natural gas activities potentially harmful to the environment.
Denton is 40 miles north of Dallas.
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