Natural gas-rich Texas city rejects partial fracking ban; petition heads to voters

The council governing a North Texas city that sits atop a large natural gas reserve has rejected a bid to ban further permitting of hydraulic fracturing.

Denton City Council members voted down a petition to outlaw new permits for the drilling practice. That's after more than 100 people spoke late Tuesday into Wednesday morning for and against the measure during a public hearing.

Fracking involves blasting a mix of water, sand and chemicals deep into underground rock formations to release trapped oil and gas.

Industry groups and state regulators warned such a ban could be followed by litigation and a severe hit to Denton's economy.

Petition supporters, some who came to tears while addressing the council, said the risks to human health and the environment outweighed the economic benefits.