Sharon Wilson posted an action alert for SB875. Demand our elected officials protect the citizens of Texas not the oil & gas companies.
Click here for more info and to take action NOW.
Here is Texas Legislative Member info links.
House
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/MnuHouse.aspx
Senate
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/MnuSenate.aspx
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
UPDATE: Williams vs. Flower Mound – Round 3
We have been told the Town will be protesting the Rule 37. Thanks to Council Member Filidoro for speaking with us on the phone this morning.
First it was a CCF, then a pipeline easement. Learning nothing from the first two engagements, Williams is now attempting to steal minerals from the Town of Flower Mound. Williams has applied for a Rule 37 on Town owned property near the water treatment plan, Town Fleet Service Center, and Bakersfield Park. The proposed well will be drilled from Williams “Ace” pad site, which is located in Lewisville.
A protest from the Town of Flower Mound and the associated hearing at the Railroad Commission in Austin is likely. Due to severe budget constraints at the RRC, no retiring staff or open positions are currently being filled, causing a backlog of work for the resource starved regulatory agency.
If a protest is filed by the Town of Flower Mound, Williams will have 3 choices.
1) Abandon the well.
2) Proceed with a hearing in Austin.
3) Shorten their well lateral to not encroach on Town owned minerals
Option 1 is unlikely. Option 2 means more bad press for Williams in Flower Mound. Option 3 is the most likely as it allows them to drill the lion share of their proposed lateral run and avoid the bad press which will likely ensue if they move forward with the Rule 37.
The Town has until June 1st, Close-of-Business to file a protest, otherwise the application will be approved administratively by the Texas Railroad Commission.
First it was a CCF, then a pipeline easement. Learning nothing from the first two engagements, Williams is now attempting to steal minerals from the Town of Flower Mound. Williams has applied for a Rule 37 on Town owned property near the water treatment plan, Town Fleet Service Center, and Bakersfield Park. The proposed well will be drilled from Williams “Ace” pad site, which is located in Lewisville.
A protest from the Town of Flower Mound and the associated hearing at the Railroad Commission in Austin is likely. Due to severe budget constraints at the RRC, no retiring staff or open positions are currently being filled, causing a backlog of work for the resource starved regulatory agency.
If a protest is filed by the Town of Flower Mound, Williams will have 3 choices.
1) Abandon the well.
2) Proceed with a hearing in Austin.
3) Shorten their well lateral to not encroach on Town owned minerals
Option 1 is unlikely. Option 2 means more bad press for Williams in Flower Mound. Option 3 is the most likely as it allows them to drill the lion share of their proposed lateral run and avoid the bad press which will likely ensue if they move forward with the Rule 37.
The Town has until June 1st, Close-of-Business to file a protest, otherwise the application will be approved administratively by the Texas Railroad Commission.
Williams fracking schedule for June and July
Williams will be fracking 10 wells on the Cummings site during the months of June and July. This location is located north of 1171 and east of Red Rock Lane in West Flower Mound. For those of you who are chemically sensitive beware and watch the wind direction. Those with respiratory problems get your inhalers ready!
Click here for the schedule.
Click here for the schedule.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Southlake...we feel your pain.
Things seem to be heating up in Southlake. Without any current well sites to visualize or experience the real impact of drilling nears homes, schools, and business, some people just don't "get it". There is a group of pro drilling residents that want Southlake to ease up on safe drilling practices. Some people just want their "mailbox money" without carefully looking at the issues related to gas drilling.
Most people won't hire a contractor to do work at their home that did not use the best practices. So why do so many allow gas companies to come and drill and because they get a check they don't demand accountablilty? Why for a few dollars would they not want all precautions to be taken for the safety and health of their families along with the protection of one of their most important assets....their home?
Money doesn't talk, it swears. --Bob Dylan
Click here to read the story in the Star Telegram
Most people won't hire a contractor to do work at their home that did not use the best practices. So why do so many allow gas companies to come and drill and because they get a check they don't demand accountablilty? Why for a few dollars would they not want all precautions to be taken for the safety and health of their families along with the protection of one of their most important assets....their home?
Money doesn't talk, it swears. --Bob Dylan
Click here to read the story in the Star Telegram
"Who can be against clean air?"
Our very own Al Filidoro said it at the recent Town Council Meeting. Here is an article from Downwinders at Risk about the cities that have adopted the Fair Share Plan resolution. Flower Mound approved a resolution Monday night and Southlake discussed it last night. Southlake will put it to a vote on June 7th.
Click here for the article.
Click here for the article.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
News from Flower Mound Council
Last night the Flower Mound Town Council continued their commitment to protecting the residents of Flower Mound. They unanimously approved a resolution for the Fair Share For Clean Air. Flower Mound will join Dish and Dallas County. Tonight the Southlake Town Council will consider a resolution as well.
In addition to the Fair Share Plan resolution, the council approved to renew their contract with Solutions for Local Control, LLC, for legislative consulting services from June 1, 2011, through June 1, 2013, and ratify payments made to date for the 82nd legislative session. All council members were in favor. Solutions for Local Control has been working very hard with the Mayor and Council on this legislative session.
A special thanks to Jim Schermbeck for coming out last night to talk about the Fair Share For Clean Air. He is committed to all of us having clean air!
In addition to the Fair Share Plan resolution, the council approved to renew their contract with Solutions for Local Control, LLC, for legislative consulting services from June 1, 2011, through June 1, 2013, and ratify payments made to date for the 82nd legislative session. All council members were in favor. Solutions for Local Control has been working very hard with the Mayor and Council on this legislative session.
A special thanks to Jim Schermbeck for coming out last night to talk about the Fair Share For Clean Air. He is committed to all of us having clean air!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Flower Mound Moving Forward. Fair Share For Clean Air Plan
This is a reminder of the Flower Mound Town Council Meeting tonight. The Flower Mound Town Council will consider approval of a resolution for the Downwinders At Risk Fair Share For Clean Air Plan.
The State of Texas must submit a new clean air plan by the end of 2011. TCEQ has made some cuts but still needs to cut over 140 tons of VOC's per day. The Fair Share for Clean Air asks the TCEQ to look at the gas drilling industry to cut the additional VOC's needed.
Click here for more info.
The State of Texas must submit a new clean air plan by the end of 2011. TCEQ has made some cuts but still needs to cut over 140 tons of VOC's per day. The Fair Share for Clean Air asks the TCEQ to look at the gas drilling industry to cut the additional VOC's needed.
Click here for more info.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Flower Mound Election Results
Place 1
Kendra Stephenson 1,268 50.82%
Jeff Whittaker 1,227 49.18%
Place 3
Mark Wise 1892 93.62%
Elwood Leonard 129 6.38%
Place 5
Tom Hayden
Congratulations to the winning candidates
Kendra Stephenson 1,268 50.82%
Jeff Whittaker 1,227 49.18%
Place 3
Mark Wise 1892 93.62%
Elwood Leonard 129 6.38%
Place 5
Tom Hayden
Congratulations to the winning candidates
Friday, May 13, 2011
DFW Fair Share Plan Resolution On Agenda For Flower Mound
Monday night, the Flower Mound Town Council will consider approval of a resolution for the Downwinders At Risk Fair Share For Clean Air Plan.
The State of Texas must submit a new clean air plan by the end of 2011. TCEQ has made some cuts but still needs to cut over 140 tons of VOC's per day. The Fair Share for Clean Air asks the TCEQ to look at the gas drilling industry to cut the additional VOC's needed.
Click here for Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe's article in the Denton Record Chronicle.
Click here for the Flower Mound Town Council Agenda.
The State of Texas must submit a new clean air plan by the end of 2011. TCEQ has made some cuts but still needs to cut over 140 tons of VOC's per day. The Fair Share for Clean Air asks the TCEQ to look at the gas drilling industry to cut the additional VOC's needed.
Click here for Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe's article in the Denton Record Chronicle.
Click here for the Flower Mound Town Council Agenda.
Legislative Session Dates of Interest
Monday, May 9, 2011 (119th day) Last day for house committees to report house bills and house joint resolutions [relates to House Rule 6, Sec. 16(a), requiring 36-hour layout of daily calendars prior to consideration, and House Rule 8, Sec. 13(b), the deadline for consideration]
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 (120th day) Deadline for house to distribute last House Daily Calendar with nonlocal house bills and joint resolutions [relates to House Rule 6, Sec. 16(a), requiring 36-hour layout of daily calendars prior to consideration]
Wednesday, May 11, 2011 (121st day) Deadline for house to distribute last House Local and Consent Calendar with consent house bills [relates to House Rule 6, Sec. 13, requiring 48-hour layout of local and consent calendars prior to consideration]
Thursday, May 12, 2011 (122nd day) Last day for house to consider non local house bills and joint resolutions on second reading [House Rule 8, Sec. 13(b)]
Friday, May 13, 2011 (123rd day) Last day for house to consider non local house bills and joint resolutions on third reading and to consider consent house bills on second and third reading [House Rule 8, Sec. 13(b)]
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 (128th day) Deadline for house to distribute last House Local and Consent Calendar with local house bills [relates to House Rule 6, Sec. 13, requiring 48-hour layout of local and consent calendars prior to consideration]
Friday, May 20, 2011 (130th day) Last day for house to consider local house bills [House Rule 8, Sec. 13(a)] First day senate can consider bills and resolutions the first day they are posted on the Intent Calendar [Senate Rules 5.14(b)]
Saturday, May 21, 2011 (131st day) Last day for house committees to report senate bills and senate joint resolutions [relates to House Rule 6, Sec. 16(a), requiring 36-hour layout of daily calendars prior to consideration, and House Rule 8, Sec. 13(c), the deadline for consideration]
Sunday, May 22, 2011 (132nd day) Deadline for house to distribute last House Daily Calendar with senate bills and joint resolutions [relates to House Rule 6, Sec. 16(a), requiring 36-hour layout of daily calendars prior to consideration]
Monday, May 23, 2011 (133rd day) Deadline for house to distribute last House Local and Consent Calendar with senate bills [relates to House Rule 6, Sec. 13, requiring 48-hour layout of local and consent calendars prior to consideration]
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 (134th day) Last day for house to consider senate bills and joint resolutions, other than local and consent, on second reading [House Rule 8, Sec. 13(c)]
Wednesday, May 25, 2011 (135th day) Last day for house to consider local and consent senate bills on second reading or any senate bills or joint resolutions on third reading [House Rule 8, Sec. 13(c)] Last day for senate to consider any bills or joint resolutions on third reading [Senate Rule 7.25; Senate Rule 10.01 subjects joint resolutions to the rules governing proceedings on bills]
Thursday, May 26, 2011 (136th day) Midnight deadline for house to print and distribute senate amendments [relates to House Rule 13, Sec. 5(a), requiring 24-hour layout of senate amendments prior to consideration]
Friday, May 27, 2011 (137th day) Last day for house to consider senate amendments [House Rule 8, Sec. 13(d)] Midnight deadline for senate to print and distribute senate copies of conference committee reports on tax, general appropriations, and reapportionment bills [relates to Senate Rule 12.09(a), requiring 48-hour layout of certain conference committee reports in regular session] Last day for senate committees to report all bills and joint resolutions [relates to Senate Rule 7.24(b), but note that the 135th day (two days earlier) is the last day for third reading in the senate; practical deadline for senate committees is before the 135th day; Senate Rule 10.01 subjects joint resolutions to the rules governing proceedings on bills]
Saturday, May 28, 2011 (138th day) Midnight deadline for house to distribute house copies of all conference committee reports [relates to House Rule 13, Sec. 10(a), requiring 24-hour layout of all conference committee reports] Midnight deadline for senate to print and distribute all conference committee reports other than those on tax, general appropriations, and reapportionment bills and all house amendments to senate bills and joint resolutions that did not go to a conference committee [relates to Senate Rule 12.09(b) and Senate Rule 7.21, requiring 24-hour layout of certain conference committee reports and house amendments to senate bills during the last 72 hours of a regular session; Senate Rule 10.01 subjects joint resolutions to the rules governing proceedings on bills]
Sunday, May 29, 2011 (139th day) Last day for house to adopt conference committee reports [House Rule 8, Sec. 13(e)] Last day for senate to concur in house amendments or adopt conference committee reports [relates to Senate Rule 7.25, limiting a vote on the passage of any bill during the last 24 hours of the session to correct an error in the bill]
Monday, May 30, 2011 (140th day) Last day of 82nd Regular Session; corrections onlyin house and senate [Sec. 24(b), Art. III, Texas Constitution]
Session Ends
Sunday, June 19, 2011 (20th day following final adjournment) Last day governor can sign or veto bills passed during theregular legislative session [Sec. 14, Art. IV, Texas Constitution]
Monday, August 29, 2011 (91st day following final adjournment) Date that bills without specific effective dates (that could notbe effective immediately) become law [Sec. 39, Art. III, Texas Constitution]
Monday, August 29, 2011 (91st day following final adjournment) Date that bills without specific effective dates (that could not be effective immediately) become law [Sec. 39, Art. III, Texas Constitution]
Click here for pdf of Session Dates of Interest
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 (120th day) Deadline for house to distribute last House Daily Calendar with nonlocal house bills and joint resolutions [relates to House Rule 6, Sec. 16(a), requiring 36-hour layout of daily calendars prior to consideration]
Wednesday, May 11, 2011 (121st day) Deadline for house to distribute last House Local and Consent Calendar with consent house bills [relates to House Rule 6, Sec. 13, requiring 48-hour layout of local and consent calendars prior to consideration]
Thursday, May 12, 2011 (122nd day) Last day for house to consider non local house bills and joint resolutions on second reading [House Rule 8, Sec. 13(b)]
Friday, May 13, 2011 (123rd day) Last day for house to consider non local house bills and joint resolutions on third reading and to consider consent house bills on second and third reading [House Rule 8, Sec. 13(b)]
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 (128th day) Deadline for house to distribute last House Local and Consent Calendar with local house bills [relates to House Rule 6, Sec. 13, requiring 48-hour layout of local and consent calendars prior to consideration]
Friday, May 20, 2011 (130th day) Last day for house to consider local house bills [House Rule 8, Sec. 13(a)] First day senate can consider bills and resolutions the first day they are posted on the Intent Calendar [Senate Rules 5.14(b)]
Saturday, May 21, 2011 (131st day) Last day for house committees to report senate bills and senate joint resolutions [relates to House Rule 6, Sec. 16(a), requiring 36-hour layout of daily calendars prior to consideration, and House Rule 8, Sec. 13(c), the deadline for consideration]
Sunday, May 22, 2011 (132nd day) Deadline for house to distribute last House Daily Calendar with senate bills and joint resolutions [relates to House Rule 6, Sec. 16(a), requiring 36-hour layout of daily calendars prior to consideration]
Monday, May 23, 2011 (133rd day) Deadline for house to distribute last House Local and Consent Calendar with senate bills [relates to House Rule 6, Sec. 13, requiring 48-hour layout of local and consent calendars prior to consideration]
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 (134th day) Last day for house to consider senate bills and joint resolutions, other than local and consent, on second reading [House Rule 8, Sec. 13(c)]
Wednesday, May 25, 2011 (135th day) Last day for house to consider local and consent senate bills on second reading or any senate bills or joint resolutions on third reading [House Rule 8, Sec. 13(c)] Last day for senate to consider any bills or joint resolutions on third reading [Senate Rule 7.25; Senate Rule 10.01 subjects joint resolutions to the rules governing proceedings on bills]
Thursday, May 26, 2011 (136th day) Midnight deadline for house to print and distribute senate amendments [relates to House Rule 13, Sec. 5(a), requiring 24-hour layout of senate amendments prior to consideration]
Friday, May 27, 2011 (137th day) Last day for house to consider senate amendments [House Rule 8, Sec. 13(d)] Midnight deadline for senate to print and distribute senate copies of conference committee reports on tax, general appropriations, and reapportionment bills [relates to Senate Rule 12.09(a), requiring 48-hour layout of certain conference committee reports in regular session] Last day for senate committees to report all bills and joint resolutions [relates to Senate Rule 7.24(b), but note that the 135th day (two days earlier) is the last day for third reading in the senate; practical deadline for senate committees is before the 135th day; Senate Rule 10.01 subjects joint resolutions to the rules governing proceedings on bills]
Saturday, May 28, 2011 (138th day) Midnight deadline for house to distribute house copies of all conference committee reports [relates to House Rule 13, Sec. 10(a), requiring 24-hour layout of all conference committee reports] Midnight deadline for senate to print and distribute all conference committee reports other than those on tax, general appropriations, and reapportionment bills and all house amendments to senate bills and joint resolutions that did not go to a conference committee [relates to Senate Rule 12.09(b) and Senate Rule 7.21, requiring 24-hour layout of certain conference committee reports and house amendments to senate bills during the last 72 hours of a regular session; Senate Rule 10.01 subjects joint resolutions to the rules governing proceedings on bills]
Sunday, May 29, 2011 (139th day) Last day for house to adopt conference committee reports [House Rule 8, Sec. 13(e)] Last day for senate to concur in house amendments or adopt conference committee reports [relates to Senate Rule 7.25, limiting a vote on the passage of any bill during the last 24 hours of the session to correct an error in the bill]
Monday, May 30, 2011 (140th day) Last day of 82nd Regular Session; corrections onlyin house and senate [Sec. 24(b), Art. III, Texas Constitution]
Session Ends
Sunday, June 19, 2011 (20th day following final adjournment) Last day governor can sign or veto bills passed during theregular legislative session [Sec. 14, Art. IV, Texas Constitution]
Monday, August 29, 2011 (91st day following final adjournment) Date that bills without specific effective dates (that could notbe effective immediately) become law [Sec. 39, Art. III, Texas Constitution]
Monday, August 29, 2011 (91st day following final adjournment) Date that bills without specific effective dates (that could not be effective immediately) become law [Sec. 39, Art. III, Texas Constitution]
Click here for pdf of Session Dates of Interest
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
UPDATE ON HB 3105
News from Austin is claiming HB 3105 didn't make it out of the House Calendar Committee to be heard on the house floor. This is great news but we must not stop watching this bill as it could be attached as an amendment to another bill.
When we get an idea of what bills HB 3105 could be attached to, we will share the information.
Don't let your guard down yet........
Click here to read more about HB 3105.
When we get an idea of what bills HB 3105 could be attached to, we will share the information.
Don't let your guard down yet........
Click here to read more about HB 3105.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
CAMPAIGN AGAINST HB 3105 AND SB875
When a town puts together an Oil and Gas ordinance, they should have every right to enforce it without the threat of being sued by big money oil and gas.
If a city ordinance prohibits the drilling of an oil or gas well within a certain distance of a home or school, a landowner could bring a claim under the bill. The city would then have three choices: (1) pay the landowner for the money he thinks he could have made from the well; (2) waive the regulation and allow a gas well in the playground of a school or in your backyard; or (3) pay attorneys to litigate the claim. This type of law is commonly known as a “pay or waive” law.
House Committee on Calendars (C050)
Clerk: Jennifer Welch
Legislature: 82(R) - 2011
Phone: (512) 463-0758
Appointment Date: 1/24/2011
Room: EXT E2.148
Position Member
Chair:
Rep. Todd Hunter - Todd.Hunter@house.state.tx.us
Rep. Dennis Bonnen -
Dennis.Bonnen@house.state.tx.us
Members:
Rep. Dan Branch - Dan.Branch@house.state.tx.us
mailto:Garnet.Coleman@house.state.tx.us
Rep. Byron Cook - Byron.Cook@house.state.tx.us
mailto:Charlie.Geren@house.state.tx.us
Rep. Jim Keffer - James.Keffer@house.state.tx.us
Rep. Tracy O. King -Tracy.King@house.state.tx.us
Rep. Lois W. Kolkhorst - Lois.Kolkhorst@house.state.tx.us
Eddie.Lucio@house.state.tx.us
Rep. Allan Ritter - Allan.Ritter@house.state.tx.us
Eddie.Rodriguez@house.state.tx.us
Rep. Burt R. Solomons - Burt.Solomons@house.state.tx.us
Vicki.Truitt@house.state.tx.us
Rep. John Zerwas - John.Zerwas@house.state.tx.us
Jennifer Welch - Jennifer.Welch_hc@house.state.tx.us
It’s current status: It left the House Environmental Committee May 5th, but as of Saturday has not arrived at the House calendars. Here are some points to strees during calls.
Include opposition to SB 875, the amendment to the water code that one that gives a free pass to pollution.
- The testimony in Austin by Mr. Morris re. Red Oak/Riverwalk – 12 variances and what they were plus Timbercreek Elementary – how irresponsible it would have been to have allowed it – esp. 300’ from the hospital right on flood plain to a major tributary into the Trinity River.
- Dallas’s & Houston’s drinking water reservoirs as examples.
- One of the best arguments seems to possibly be how it left the committee – without being placed on the agenda.
- Depression of Property Values would be increased and become statewide -- is a great and very real argument because that would have HUGE fiscal impact to the state, county and local govt. that the TX Municipal League did not address.
- Fiscal impact to administration of court systems – local, state and federal
- Fiscal impact to health care costs –lack of control will lead to irresponsible drilling practices, more emissions, accidents and spills near homes, schools, environmentally sensitive areas.
- Unpopular with the vast majority of residents, especially since it may extend to right to regulate other businesses
- Unconstitutional -- since it places right to gather minerals above rights to clean air, water, soil, safe and orderly environment which is opposite to prior court rulings over almost the last 100 years.
Click here for more info on HB 3105
Friday, May 6, 2011
No retirement package for this former gas executive
Sheffield Nelson, the former CEO of the Arkansas Louisiana Gas Company is calling for a halt to hydraulic fracturing near lakes, rivers and streams in the State of Arkansas.
It does restore a very tiny bit of faith that there may be industry people out there that have a conscience. The Gas and Oil industry knows hydraulic fracturing is bad, really bad. Do you think any executives will speak up for the citizens of the shale here in Texas? Don't hold your breath! Even if they did, our elected officials down in Austin wouldn't listen. Their campaign funds have given them selective hearing.
Click here to read the story.
It does restore a very tiny bit of faith that there may be industry people out there that have a conscience. The Gas and Oil industry knows hydraulic fracturing is bad, really bad. Do you think any executives will speak up for the citizens of the shale here in Texas? Don't hold your breath! Even if they did, our elected officials down in Austin wouldn't listen. Their campaign funds have given them selective hearing.
Click here to read the story.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Don't Forget to Vote!!
Early voting has started at the Flower Mound Police and Court Building.
Tuesday May 3rd through Saturday May 7th, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Monday May 9th and Tuesday May 10th, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm.
Election day, Saturday, May 14th, 7:00 am to 7 pm
Flower Mound Place 1
Jeff Whittaker website
Kendra Stephenson website
Flower Mound Place 3
Mark Wise website
Elwood Leonard (write in candidate)
Flower Mound Place 5
Tom Hayden
LISD School Board Trustee Election
Place 6
Mike McDaniel
Amber Fulton
Click here for The Dallas Morning News voters guide info
Place 7
Carol Kyer
Reginald Johnson
Click here for the Dallas Morning News voters guide info
Tuesday May 3rd through Saturday May 7th, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Monday May 9th and Tuesday May 10th, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm.
Election day, Saturday, May 14th, 7:00 am to 7 pm
Flower Mound Place 1
Jeff Whittaker website
Kendra Stephenson website
Flower Mound Place 3
Mark Wise website
Elwood Leonard (write in candidate)
Flower Mound Place 5
Tom Hayden
LISD School Board Trustee Election
Place 6
Mike McDaniel
Amber Fulton
Click here for The Dallas Morning News voters guide info
Place 7
Carol Kyer
Reginald Johnson
Click here for the Dallas Morning News voters guide info
Congratulations to Sharon Wilson!
Leading oil and gas reform organization expands presence in Gulf Region
Durango, CO, May 2nd --"We are very pleased to announce Texas Sharon as our Gulf Region Organizer, said Gwen Lachelt, Director and Founder of EARTHWORKS' Oil & Gas Accountability Project. Beginning today, Sharon Wilson, aka "Texas Sharon," the prolific and much-respected Bluedaze blogger, becomes a full-time organizer for the nation's leading oil and gas reform organization.
Ms. Wilson will lead the organization's campaign work in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. "The Gulf Region Organizer position represents a milestone for us and we are honored to be adding our voice and expertise to the citizens' movement to reform gas drilling practices in this region", Lachelt stated.
Sharon Wilson is considered the leading citizen expert in the Texas Barnett Shale and the go-to person whether it's top EPA officials from D.C., major national news networks and national environmental organizations wanting an educational tour, or residents facing the shock of eminent domain and the devastating environmental effects of natural gas development in their backyards.
Sharon spent years educating others about environmental damage caused from weak regulation and lax enforcement before joining forces with the Oil and Gas Accountability Project (OGAP). She worked with the Texas OGAP steering committee for several months to write Drill-Right Texas: Best Oil and Gas Accountability Practices for Texas. Sharon joined OGAP as the part-time Texas organizer in January 2010. She helped neighborhoods all across the Barnett Shale organize and fight for drilling moratoria until city ordinances were updated. Working with impacted communities, she developed case studies of health impacts and presented those to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in North Carolina and then in D.C. These case studies were expanded and compiled with additional information in OGAP's latest report, Flowback: How the Texas Natural Gas Boom Affects Health and Safety.
EARTHWORKS' nationally-recognized Oil & Gas Accountability Project was created in 1999 to work with communities to prevent and reduce the impacts caused by energy development. In its first decade, OGAP boldly challenged the notion that natural gas is clean energy by exposing the industry practice of hydraulic fracturing, the widespread use of toxic drilling chemicals and the oil and gas industry's sweeping exemptions from U.S. environmental laws. OGAP has built a national network of diverse organizations addressing drilling issues and has pushed for the passage of precedent-setting laws and regulations protecting landowner rights, special places and public health from Alaska to New Mexico and beyond. OGAP's 2005 publication, Oil and Gas at Your Door? A Landowner's Guide to Oil and Gas Development, is considered the preeminent resource for landowners and communities facing drilling in their backyards.
"Conventional and newer shale gas drilling has a black eye in Texas and throughout the Gulf Region because it fails to respect communities and the environment," said Wilson. "My charge is to help reform state oil and gas regulations, educate and support impacted communities and promote EARTHWORKS' federal reform agenda which includes passing the FRAC Act to remove the exemption of fracturing from the Safe Drinking Water Act and achieve full disclosure of the chemicals used in drilling and fracturing fluids," Wilson stated.
"Sharon has the combination of skills, experience and energy to build on our great success working with communities to prevent and minimize the impacts caused by energy development, said Lachelt. "We are delighted that she is joining our team."
Before her organizing career, Wilson worked for the oil and gas industry for twelve years.
Durango, CO, May 2nd --"We are very pleased to announce Texas Sharon as our Gulf Region Organizer, said Gwen Lachelt, Director and Founder of EARTHWORKS' Oil & Gas Accountability Project. Beginning today, Sharon Wilson, aka "Texas Sharon," the prolific and much-respected Bluedaze blogger, becomes a full-time organizer for the nation's leading oil and gas reform organization.
Ms. Wilson will lead the organization's campaign work in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. "The Gulf Region Organizer position represents a milestone for us and we are honored to be adding our voice and expertise to the citizens' movement to reform gas drilling practices in this region", Lachelt stated.
Sharon Wilson is considered the leading citizen expert in the Texas Barnett Shale and the go-to person whether it's top EPA officials from D.C., major national news networks and national environmental organizations wanting an educational tour, or residents facing the shock of eminent domain and the devastating environmental effects of natural gas development in their backyards.
Sharon spent years educating others about environmental damage caused from weak regulation and lax enforcement before joining forces with the Oil and Gas Accountability Project (OGAP). She worked with the Texas OGAP steering committee for several months to write Drill-Right Texas: Best Oil and Gas Accountability Practices for Texas. Sharon joined OGAP as the part-time Texas organizer in January 2010. She helped neighborhoods all across the Barnett Shale organize and fight for drilling moratoria until city ordinances were updated. Working with impacted communities, she developed case studies of health impacts and presented those to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in North Carolina and then in D.C. These case studies were expanded and compiled with additional information in OGAP's latest report, Flowback: How the Texas Natural Gas Boom Affects Health and Safety.
EARTHWORKS' nationally-recognized Oil & Gas Accountability Project was created in 1999 to work with communities to prevent and reduce the impacts caused by energy development. In its first decade, OGAP boldly challenged the notion that natural gas is clean energy by exposing the industry practice of hydraulic fracturing, the widespread use of toxic drilling chemicals and the oil and gas industry's sweeping exemptions from U.S. environmental laws. OGAP has built a national network of diverse organizations addressing drilling issues and has pushed for the passage of precedent-setting laws and regulations protecting landowner rights, special places and public health from Alaska to New Mexico and beyond. OGAP's 2005 publication, Oil and Gas at Your Door? A Landowner's Guide to Oil and Gas Development, is considered the preeminent resource for landowners and communities facing drilling in their backyards.
"Conventional and newer shale gas drilling has a black eye in Texas and throughout the Gulf Region because it fails to respect communities and the environment," said Wilson. "My charge is to help reform state oil and gas regulations, educate and support impacted communities and promote EARTHWORKS' federal reform agenda which includes passing the FRAC Act to remove the exemption of fracturing from the Safe Drinking Water Act and achieve full disclosure of the chemicals used in drilling and fracturing fluids," Wilson stated.
"Sharon has the combination of skills, experience and energy to build on our great success working with communities to prevent and minimize the impacts caused by energy development, said Lachelt. "We are delighted that she is joining our team."
Before her organizing career, Wilson worked for the oil and gas industry for twelve years.
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