Arlington City Council Gives OK's New Gas Wells Near Daycare - CobCast Ep. 14

Despite efforts by locals and environmental activists, the Arlington City Council this week gave the green light to three new gas wells near a daycare center.      

The council approved a permit for the new wells, which will be operated by the French conglomerate Total Energies. The additional drilling near the Mother’s Heart Learning Center is expected to start early next year. Liveable Arlington, an environmental advocacy group, was one of the driving forces behind the opposition ahead of a City Council vote on the permit Tuesday night.      

“While this was not the result we were hoping for, we still have many to thank,” Liveable Arlington said in a Twitter post after the vote. “We will be reflecting and regrouping over the next few days, but you can expect to hear more from us in the future.”     Ahead of Tuesday's vote, parents and staff at the Mother’s Heart Learning Center, along with other area residents, signed petitions and turned out to City Hall asking the Council to deny the permit. They cited studies suggesting drilling operations can exacerbate asthma symptoms and increase the risk of childhood leukemia.

This episode is an audio adaptation of reporting I've done for the Dallas Observer. It is recorded and produced by me.

'French Energy Company Seeks Fracking Permit Near Arlington Daycare'

https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/french-energy-company-seeks-fracking-permit-near-arlington-daycare-12918667

Despite Local Pushback, Arlington City Council Gives Go-Ahead for New Gas Wells Near Daycare

https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/arlington-city-council-approves-new-gas-wells-near-daycare-12934815