Denton Hits Pause On Fracking Ban Repeal

Denton’s ban on hydraulic fracturing within its city limits will stay on the books – at least, for now.

The Denton City Council had considered repealing the ban, which passed in November with 59 percent of the vote, in anticipation of legal action. However, after hearing several hours’ worth of testimony in which residents made impassioned pleas for more time to weigh their options, the council demurred and let the agenda item fail without a vote. All of which means that once the council is satisfied it has fully researched the option – or even take another strategy – it can reconsider action.

Denton resident Christopher Furman told the council that if they chose to “undermine our fracking ban,” the outcome would make both the city and the council look weak.

After seven months, the ban was in play again because the Texas Legislature and governor in recent weeks had passed a law that effectively erased the city’s ability to enforce it.