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.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Restoring Northern India’s Himalayan ‘Water Temples’
Thousands of centuries-old buildings protect the region’s natural springs and serve as community wells and gathering places.
Milwaukee to Double Bike Share Stations
Bublr Bikes, one of the nation’s most successful, will add 500 new e-bikes to its system.
DC Extends Application Window for Outdoor Dining Permits
District restaurants will have until the end of November to apply, but businesses with permits in rush hour parking lanes must end operations on July 31.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service