Texas city approves new fracking site near daycare and schools

A city council in Arlington, Texas, has approved plans for TotalEnergies to drill 10 new gas wells near a daycare center and elementary schools, despite opposition from residents concerned about air pollution and public health.

Dylan Baddour reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

Arlington approved a new fracking site for the first time in 12 years, allowing TotalEnergies to drill 10 wells near homes and schools.
Residents voiced concerns over pollution and health risks, but the council passed the measure unanimously, citing state laws limiting local authority.
Emissions from fracking sites in the area have been documented, including hydrocarbons and particulates near schools and daycares.

Key quote:

“There’s emissions that are going to come out of every site. They may have them relatively controlled, but they have permission to emit.”

— Tim Doty, pollution monitoring contractor

Why this matters:

The expansion of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has long been a point of contention in communities where oil and gas development sits uncomfortably close to homes, schools and daycares. In Arlington, Texas, where a dense population lives near active wells, the risks feel particularly acute. Scientific studies have linked pollutants released during fracking — such as benzene, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds — to respiratory issues, developmental delays and other health concerns, raising alarms about the potential impact on children.

insideclimatenews.org

TransAlta head office building in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Credit: Jeff Whyte Photography/BigStock Photo ID: 449639657

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Texas city approves new fracking site near daycare and schools

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