The earth has been moving all week in North Texas. An editorial by The Dallas Morning News calls on the state's new governor to show leadership, even at risk of upsetting the oil industry, to find out more about the causes of the seismic activity.
"Fourteen tremors rolled through our normally earthquake-free communities this week, shaking foundations from the epicenter in Irving to Lewisville, McKinney and Rowlett," according to an editorial by The Dallas Morning News. "It is unnerving and follows years of mostly ignored complaints from Azle residents in Tarrant County that tremors from oil and gas activity in the Barnett Shale damaged their homes."
"Clearly, something is going on, and Gov. Greg Abbott owes it to residents to help determine whether these are purely natural phenomena or whether man-made factors are to blame. Oil and gas drilling is an important industry in Texas; however, if something related to those operations is affecting fault lines, we need to know."
The editorial includes more strong language about the need to research the phenomena and, potentially, hold the oil and gas industry accountable if it's causing the earthquakes.
FULL STORY: Editorial: More quakes and more questions
Texas Earthquakes Linked to Fracking
A new study reveals earthquakes that began at shallower depths than previously thought are associated with wastewater disposal sites from fracking operations.
Hints of a North Texas Freeway Rebellion
At the helm of a movement to think beyond concrete solutions to transportation challenges in North Texas are the mayors of Fort Worth, Grapevine, and Arlington.
Oklahoma-Style Earthquakes Now Affecting California
Disposal of wastewater from fracking has long been associated with earthquakes in Oklahoma as well as Ohio and Texas. A new study shows they were likely the cause of a swarm of quakes in 2005 in the capital of oil in California, Kern County.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan
The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.
Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College
Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.
Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions
Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions