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Midlanders Speak Out Against Drilling In Their Neighborhood
Midlanders Speak Out Against Drilling In Their Neighborhood 09/11/12
Robert Guaderrama
rguaderrama@cbs7.com
September 11, 2012
MIDLAND, TX - A City Council meeting gets heated over an issue city leaders are seeing more and more of, drilling within city limits. As oil and gas activity speeds up across west Texas, drilling is taking place closer to homes and residents of one midland neighborhood are saying "no" to drilling.
"Y'all have already turned down 1, why would you even consider 5," said Kathy Jones, Concerned Resident.
A large crowd showed up to today's Midland City Council meeting to speak out against drilling within the city limits. Council rejected RSP Permian's request to drill back in May, however today they returned asking for 5 permits.
"We came back with 5 applications for 5 separate wells that will all be located on 1 location as opposed to 5 separate locations," said Steven Gray, Co-CEO, RSP Permian.
Despite RSP's efforts to work with residents, Midlanders of this neighborhood say they don't want rigs in their back yards, especially now.
"The problems with health and safety are now 5 fold greater than they were before," said Dr. Steven Rea.
Those in opposition hope their leaders will listen to their concerns and reject the permits.
"They are supposed to be our voice, we elect them as our public officials to care about our safety and out well being," said Kathy Jones, Concerned Midlander.
"The city council has already spoken on this once and i hope they have the courage to stand behind their vote and deny this again," said Dr. Rea.
The permits will go before council for vote next month.