DENTON, Texas (AP) — A group of mineral royalty owners has sued the city of Denton over its temporary ban on hydraulic fracturing, claiming the ban violates property rights.
City leaders halted fracking as they consider making their city the first in the state to permanently ban the practice.
Denton lawyer Charles Chandler Davis filed a lawsuit in Denton County earlier this month on behalf of Arsenal Minerals and Royalty, NASA Energy Corp. and his son’s trust fund, claiming more than $1 million in damages.
City spokeswoman Alison Ream said Tuesday it’s the first time Denton has been sued on the issue. Other royalty owners and former state officials have threatened Denton with a cascade of suits if an outright fracking ban is passed by public referendum in November.