To Drill or Not to Drill?

The Barnett Shale is a large geologic formation in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that could possibly be one of the nation’s largest onshore natural gas fields. Future prospects of the field are looking optimistic since one company, XTO Energy, has invested just over three billion dollars in property acquisitions since July. This field can predictably affect three parties: government, corporations, and residents of Texas. Residents in the immediate area must determine if there should be boundaries and limitations established early, and, if desired, what measures can be taken to prevent corporations such as XTO Energy and Fort Worth Energy from leaving a figurative footprint in their almost literal backyard.

A very former Texas Railroad Commissioner, Elizabeth A. Jones has recently advocated tapping into domestic natural resources and cites the Barnett Shale as a perfect example that can produce great benefits for our economy. Although monetary gains for local economies are obvious, Jones understands that disrupting Artic National Wildlife Refuges and residential neighborhoods might not go over so smoothly with some people; therefore, she offers further support for her stance by mentioning advantages such as increased national security, energy independence, and the creation of funds that could be dedicated for alternative energy research.

When two very big entities such as government and large, multi-billion dollar corporations stand to post significant gains, residents in the immediate vicinity of a future drill site might feel intimidated or be so discouraged as to believe that they can not have an impact on such a considerable development in their neighborhood. While a complete victory for residents may be unlikely, a compromise such as the one that neighborhood leaders near Eighth Avenue in Fort Worth achieved is a perfect example of how determination and action can make a difference in a local community.

The new Fort Worth skyline

Footprints in Domestic Dirt

To fully understand the impact that the quest for oil and other natural resources has impressed upon not only Texas but the world, one could not simply read an essay, single book, or watch enough PBS specials. The benefit on energy independence on economies can be monumental, and the pursuit of it can indeed leave “footprints” on societies and the land. Elizabeth Ames Jones, a member and very former past chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission (TRC), recently wrote an article that appeared online at the Houston Chronicle’s website which advocated appropriate legislation be passed to ensure that the domestic search for oil and other natural resources be allowed.

Being a commissioner of the TRC since 2005, Jones understands the importance of how a cache of oil and gas resources can affect an economy. She cites advantages in seeking more natural resources domestically that include more security for our homeland and the ability to produce funds that could be used for researching alternative energy sources. Moreover, the experience Jones has gained from being a top overseer of a state that is the nation’s leading producer of natural resources should give her a great perspective of how domestic natural resource stores can positively influence an economy.

The Barnett Shale is a natural gas field in the Dallas-Fort Worth area which has become a very successful source of natural gas; it may be the largest in the country. Jones uses the success of the Barnett Shale to illustrate how beneficial local resources can be. She states, “America’s undeveloped oil and gas resources should be considered our generation’s victory garden in the face of today’s struggle to maintain energy security.” Therefore, it would not be a surprise that Texas’ former TRC commissioner is a proponent for drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge, asserting that the environmental impact would be miniscule, but she does acknowledge that a “footprint” is left behind. Driving through oil fields in the Texas-Louisiana border area, “Bigfoot prints” are visible and very apparent. Even though technology has much improved the means of searching for natural resources, disrupting a national wildlife refuge should be approached with careful consideration.

More lessons can be learned from Texas’ success with bountiful natural resources than just a positive economic outcome: environmental sacrifices were made, and the discovery of such valuable resources in East Texas has touched lives all over the world. Becoming an energy independent nation is a coveted goal of all economies; the attainment of personal wealth is a coveted goal of many people. It is important to be able to analyze certain events to distinguish which party is benefiting the most.


Gov. Rick Perry, Elizabeth Jones, and former Governor Bill Clements

American Heritage For Sale

In the southern-most portion of the Mountains and Basins region of West Texas lies the Christmas Mountains, just northwest of Big Bend National Park. Texas’ Land Commissioner, Jerry Patterson, has decided to auction this area off to the highest bidder. The sale of publicly owned land is not uncommon, but the specific details of this sale will make one wonder if the Land Commissioner is making the correct and most ethical decision.

The Christmas Mountains were gifted to Texas in 1991 by the Mellon Foundation, a major philanthropic group, with only one condition attached: Texas must care for the land wisely. This non-specific stipulation allows a lot of freedom of control, depending on what one thinks is wise, to whomever makes public land allocation decisions. Patterson asserts that his decision to sell is based on the need to protect the land from poachers and, but maybe not secondly, that is in Texas need of money.

The Land Commissioner’s justification for selling may be wise from a General Land Office (GLO) perspective, but is it the wisest option overall? Two main duties of the GLO, as per their mission statement, are protecting the environment and expanding economic opportunity in Texas. Not considering the ethical aspect of the land sell, Patterson is performing his duties perfectly. But when the Mellon Foundation’s condition of gift is factored in with the unlimited possibilities of what can happen to public land when it becomes privately owned, Patterson’s decision must be reexamined.

Although the Christmas Mountains is not yet a state park, it may someday become an extension of Big Bend. Its scenic terrain and archeological value cannot be measured; the Mellon Foundation realized this area was a special place worth conserving and a place that should be available for enjoyment for all. Jerry Patterson will carry out his duties according to what he thinks is most beneficial to Texas, but citizens have a responsibility to remind state officials that there are unmeasured qualities which also increase the standard of living that do not include expanding economic opportunity.

For more details concerning the sale of Christmas Mountains, visit Douglas Brinkley's commentary at the statestman.com.