Texas Railroad Commission to hire quake specialist

[TexasTowelie]

The Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates oil and gas operations, said Tuesday that it will hire a seismologist to investigate whether there is a connection between energy production and earthquakes.

The move follows a meeting Thursday in Azle attended by more than 800 residents, many of whom told Railroad Commissioner David Porter and other officials about the damage and disruption caused by a swarm of recent quakes.

The U.S. Geological Survey recorded close to 30 quakes from November to Dec. 23.

At a Railroad Commission meeting Tuesday in Austin, Porter proposed that Executive Director Milton Rister add a seismologist to the agency’s staff. The position was posted later Tuesday on the commission’s website.

More at http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/01/07/5467984/texas-railroad-commission-to-hire.html?rh=1 .

[tanyev]

1. They actually going to do anything if the seismologist says there is a connection?

That's the real question.

[white cloud]

2. They want to be able provide their own finding

When the USGS presents their findings.