The Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) and Denton, TX, have agreed to drop litigation related to the city’s now-repealed ban on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and an expired moratorium on new drilling.

Last June, Denton repealed its fracking ban (see Shale Daily, June 17) following passage by the Texas legislature of HB 40, which effectively outlawed the ban, which had won the support of voters last year (see Shale Daily, Nov. 5, 2014). Under the agreement, TXOGA and the city will each be responsible for their own legal costs. TXOGA sued the city late last year (see Shale Daily, Dec. 5, 2014).

“We are glad both sides have agreed to this dismissal,” said TXOGA President Todd Staples. “The oil and natural gas industry looks forward to continuing to responsibly partner with our fellow Texans as we grow our economy and protect our environment.

“Strict rules such as requiring multiple layers of cement and steel for well casing, along with air monitoring, are working to ensure we are protecting our water and air.”

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) also sued Denton over the fracking ban. GLO and the city have also filed a motion to end their litigation.