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Legislative Panel to Study Increased Seismic Activity

A new legislative panel will study a possible link between earthquakes in North Texas and the presence of oil and gas disposal wells.

By Neena Satija, The Texas Tribune and Reveal
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Melanie Williams, a Hurricane Katrina refugee who now lives in Azle, said North Texas' recent spate of earthquakes has made her home unlivable.
Credit: Jim Malewitz

A new legislative panel will study a possible link between earthquakes in North Texas and the presence of oil and gas disposal wells. The idea of such a link has been suggested by researchers and gained traction in the wake of a spate of earthquakes in the town of Azle. 

State Rep. Jim Keffer, R-Eastland, chairman of the House Committee on Energy Resources, announced the formation of the committee on Thursday and said its members would work closely with the Railroad Commission. The agency has denied any link between the quakes and energy exploration activities, but recently hired a seismologist to begin looking into the issue. 

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