ALERT: H.B. 4441 Take action to protect Texas families from dangerous gas pipelines

H.B. 4441 would give exclusive authority over pipelines and above ground appurtenant facilities to the Texas Railroad Commission (TRC) and give them authority to overpower zoning, as well as have major input in future economic development.

Control over placement of potentially dangerous pipelines, noisy compressor stations and other above ground appurtenant facilities that conflict with quality of life and safety of citizens should not be given to a state agency plagued with conflict of interest issues and charges of negligence. A Star-Telegram analysis from 2008, revealed that 30% of gas wells in Fort Worth had not been inspected in 5 years! TRC negligence has cost Texan’s lives and was even highlighted on a Bill Moyers’ Journal special, “Fatal Flaws: Beneath the North Texas Dirt.”

TAKE ACTION

H.B. 4441 is now in the House Energy Resources Committee. Please send EACH member of this Committee a letter asking them to protect Texas families and vote NO!

Sample letter (Individualized letters carry more weight with legislators so modify and personalize the sample if you can.)

Dear Representative ___________:

Hard working Texans deserve some say in decisions that affect our families’ safety, our quality of life and our property value.

H.B. 4441 would take away any control we have over pipelines, compressor stations and other above ground appurtenant facilities and give total control to the Texas Railroad Commission (TRC). It would also give them authority over zoning and influence future economic development.

The TRC is plagued with conflict of interest issues and charges of negligence. In 2008, a Star-Telegram analysis found that 30% of the gas wells in Tarrant County alone had not been inspected within five years! TRC negligence was even highlighted on a Bill Moyers Journal special, “Fatal Flaws: Beneath the North Texas Dirt.”

It’s a bad idea to give more control to an agency with a track-record of failure. Please vote no for H.B. 4441.

Energy Resources House Committee

Click on the members name to send them a letter via their online form or send an email or fax.

Rick Hardcastle – Chair (R), ($42,750 from energy sector in 2008)
rick.hardcastle@house.state.tx.us
(512) 463-6003 Fax

David Farabee – Vice Chair (D), ($15,250 from energy sector in 2008)
david.farabee@house.state.tx.us
(512) 463-8161 Fax

Myra Crownover – Member (R), ($32,007 from energy sector in 2008)
myra.crownover@house.state.tx.us
Fax: (512) 463-0471

Frank Corte Jr. – Member (R), ($27,100 from energy sector in 2008)
frank.corte@house.state.tx.us
(512) 463-0893 Fax

Joe Crabb – Member (R), ($41,250 from energy sector in 2008)
joe.crabb@house.state.tx.us
(512) 463-5896 Fax

Warren Chisum – Member (R), ($56,750 from energy sector in 2008)
warren.chisum@house.state.tx.us
(512) 463-0211 Fax

Yvonne Gonzales Toureilles – Member (D), ($24,225 from energy sector in 2008)
yvonne.toureilles@house.state.tx.us
(512) 463-0559 Fax

Bill text

NOTE: All committee members are heavily financed by the oil and gas industry. They will not support public interest without a massive outcry.

campaign finance information from: Follow the Money