State of Texas is mineral owner in the Barnett Shale--money pumped into Permanent School Fund

[antigop]

http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/07/15/5973163/denton-fracking-ban-hearing-draws.html

Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson said the state is a mineral owner in the Barnett Shale and within the city of Denton and that he has a fiduciary duty to protect those interests. His agency manages state resources and pumps the money into the Permanent School Fund.

Patterson sent a letter to Mayor Watts before Tueday’s council meeting saying his agency opposes the fracking ban.

“I’m not sure the city has the authority to do this under the laws in Texas,” Patterson said in an interview with the Star-Telegram. “We want to lease and produce our mineral interests and we will not be held up by a city ordinance no matter how it comes about.”

[dem in texas]

1. Been waiting for this

Wondered how long it would take for Texas to step in and override the city of Denton's decision to ban fracking?

[antigop]

2. More from the article...former TX Supreme Court Chief Justice represents TX Oil and Gas Association

Former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Phillips said the ordinance would be illegal.

“I don’t think public policy allows for a municipality to decide if there will be no drilling,” Phillips, who represents the Texas Oil and Gas Association, said in an interview with the Star-Telegram.

“The state has a strong policy in favor of oil and gas development. … To completely ban it we think runs afoul of the law.”

eta: what a cesspool

[TexasTowelie]

3. They punted the ball to the voters.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/107819578