Real Estate & Property Law

Barnett Shale Measures

By Alan Ackerman

Dallas News

The first two bills aimed at natural gas operations in North Texas' Barnett Shale passed in the Senate on Tuesday.

The bills, now headed to the House, are among a spate of legislation introduced this session to regulate various aspects of the industry, which channeled about $11 billion into the local economy last year, according to a recent report.

Activity in the massive underground gas field known as the Barnett Shale has slowed significantly because of the recession. But the hope among many is that lawmakers will put new rules in place this session ahead of any recovery.

"Now is the time for this to take place," said Fort Worth resident Greg Hughes, who opposes drilling in urban areas. "If we wait until the industry fully recovers, it will be too late."

With a record number of bills introduced this session – and a majority expected to die – some North Texas lawmakers said legislation affecting the Barnett Shale region is a high priority. The Barnett Shale spans 18 counties, including Tarrant, Denton and parts of Dallas.

One of the bills clearing the Senate would allow pipelines in Texas Department of Transportation rights-of-way. That means they could bypass some residential neighborhoods and possibly reduce the number of eminent-domain cases.

"It is important that this industry grows in a way that is respectful to the neighborhoods and quality of life that Tarrant County families enjoy," Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, said in a prepared statement.

The bill, sponsored by Davis, also has the endorsement of industry officials…

One would hope that the local public interest organizations are part of the process to insure that the interests of the property owners involved are protected. (especially the owners of the mineral rights, which may not be fairly recompensed)

Full post as published by National Eminent Domain Blog on May 11, 2009 (boomark / email).