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Divided Decision, 2 out of 5 Leasing Permits Approved to Drill in City Limits
Divided Decision, 2 out of 5 Leasing Permits Approved to Drill in City Limits 11/13/12
CBS 7 News Reporter
November 13, 2012
tguinn@cbs7.com
Midland - It's an argument that's come before the Midland City Council for over a year now; an oil company wants to move into the city and start drilling, but residents in one neighborhood are standing up and saying no.
Two out of five permits to drill in a Midland neighborhood were approved in this morning's city council meeting. However, neither the oil company RSP nor the residents are claiming victory.
Not one well, but two will soon be up and drilling in a Midland neighborhood.
"This is very controversial, it's been emotional," Midland Mayor Wes Perry said.
"These people don't care, it's terrible today," resident Robert Sligal said.
Residents that have lived in their subdivision for years say although only two out of five proposed permits to drill passed, they still consider today a loss.
"Just about as bad, you approve 2…should approve them all," Sligal said.
It's a decision that had the Midland City Council divded.
"I do believe there are safety issues, I do believe there are value issues on property that already exists," district 4 councilman, Michael Trost said.
"RSP has proven that they have a great safety record and that's been proven publicly. I took that into heavy consideration that they do follow the rules," Jerry Morales, councilman at-large said.
Some were shocked by the outcome.
"They rejected one well, then come back with five and I'm thinking, ‘how can you change your vote?’" Trost said.
Council members say this battle may be over, but the war over drilling in the city limits rages on.
"At the end of the day that's the right decision," Mayor Perry said.
"Just fight on, that's all I can say," Trost said.
RSP did say in the meeting that they plan on coming back and applying for the three remaining leases.