Skip to main content

Legislative Panel to Study Increased Seismic Activity

A new legislative panel will study a possible link between earthquakes in North Texas and the presence of oil and gas disposal wells.

By Neena Satija, The Texas Tribune and Reveal
Republish
Melanie Williams, a Hurricane Katrina refugee who now lives in Azle, said North Texas' recent spate of earthquakes has made her home unlivable.
Credit: Jim Malewitz

A new legislative panel will study a possible link between earthquakes in North Texas and the presence of oil and gas disposal wells. The idea of such a link has been suggested by researchers and gained traction in the wake of a spate of earthquakes in the town of Azle. 

State Rep. Jim Keffer, R-Eastland, chairman of the House Committee on Energy Resources, announced the formation of the committee on Thursday and said its members would work closely with the Railroad Commission. The agency has denied any link between the quakes and energy exploration activities, but recently hired a seismologist to begin looking into the issue. 

Texas Tribune donors or members may be quoted or mentioned in our stories, or may be the subject of them. For a complete list of contributors, click here.

Texans need truth. Help us report it.

Independent Texas reporting needs your support. The Texas Tribune delivers fact-based journalism for Texans, by Texans — and our community of members, the readers who donate, make our work possible. Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth news and information. Will you support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation of any amount?

Support independent Texas news

Become a member. Join today.

Choose an amount or learn more about membership.

$20 $25 $50 Other
Donate now

Information about the authors

Neena Satija’s staff photo

Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.

Explore related story topics