Southlake scared

Of being sued.  They should be scared about their future.  Will the $25,000 be enough to supply them air and water? 

Read about the residents protesting gas drilling in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Kotter thinks that XTO Energy's two proposed drilling sites will reduce property values and the quality of life that drew families to Southlake. She also has health and safety concerns because one drill site is about 3,000 feet from Old Union Elementary School.

Mark Kotter said he doesn't understand how Southlake could chase away Wal-Mart and Twin Peaks but allow gas drilling.

But denying all drilling could put the city at risk for a multi-million dollar lawsuit, city attorney Allen Taylor said at a meeting.

In Texas, the mineral estate trumps the surface owners' rights because urban drilling was inconceivable when the law was written, Taylor explained.

The city could end up having to prove in court why the drill site was denied, Taylor said.

"It's extremely difficult and it's extremely risky," he said.

So is gambling with the health and safety of residents.