The Texas Senate passed two bills relating to natural gas production in the Barnett Shale on Tuesday. Both were sponsored by Sen. Wendy Davis (D-Fort Worth).

The bills passed are:

SB 686 and SB 752 will now go to the Texas House where companion bills are being offered by Rep. Rob Orr and Rep. Kelly Hancock, respectively.

Davis said she values the economic contributions that the Barnett Shale has made to Tarrant County, TX, but wants to ensure that the growing industry does not negatively impact the families and neighborhoods of her district.

“It is important that this industry grows in a way that is respectful to the neighborhoods and quality of life that Tarrant County families enjoy,” Davis said. “These bills are about assuring a bright future for our region — not only economically through support of the drilling industry, but also through protection of private property rights and environmental concerns. I am pleased to have had the cooperative support of the drilling industry, municipalities and Tarrant County in formulating these bills and in moving them to passage in the Senate.”

The bills are part of a package of several Barnett Shale-related bills that Davis has been advocating. SB 902, requiring the “green completion” of wells drilled in Tarrant County, is expected to come to the Senate floor for a vote soon, and five more bills are awaiting hearings in Senate committees.

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