Lessons From The Denton, Texas Fracking Ban

The city of Denton, Texas become the first Texas city to have votes approve a ban on fracking, and by a fairly (and surprisingly large margin).  Now the questions turn from whether the initiative would pass to can it be implemented and what will be the legal ramifications.

To answer the first, the Texas Railroad Commission, the state body responsible for oil and gas regulation in Texas, has made it clear that it believes the regulation of and licensing for oil and gas operations is a function of the state government, not local municipalities.  Christi Craddick, the chairwoman of the Railroad Commission stated definitely that it was her job to issue permits and that the state would continue to issue permits, without regard to the Denton ban.