FW drilling regs don’t fit all

Fort Worth’s 14-year-old ordinance regulating gas drilling in the city has been held up as a “best practices” model by state lawmakers.

State Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, filed a bill that would prevent cities from developing reasonable rules governing oil and gas drilling within their boundaries.

House Bill 40 met opposition from many local leaders and grassroots activists, who said it primarily protects industry and not city residents.

Darby has shown a willingness to change language in the bill. Fort Worth’s ordinance was explained to the committee by City Councilmen Jungus Jordan and Danny Scarth and City Attorney Sarah Fullenwider.

Fort Worth’s work with industry representatives and community leaders on its ordinance was cited as an example for others to follow.

While the Fort Worth model has worked well for local residents, it must not be viewed as a one-size-fits-all ordinance. Other cities should work with their own residents on what they want in their ordinance.

This story was originally published March 25, 2015 at 5:27 PM with the headline "FW drilling regs don’t fit all."