FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 29, 2014

North Texas has the largest onshore natural gas field in the state, and some experts believe it may be the largest in the country. So when a swarm of earthquakes hit the cities of Azle and Reno six months ago, local residents started asking questions.  Scientists have linked the disposal of drilling wastewater used in fracking to earthquakes.  And now seismologists are studying the quakes in Parker and Tarrant Counties to monitor where the earthquakes occur, when and why.

KERA and StateImpact Texas will host a free public event to explore the issues at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18 at the Azle High School Auditorium. What’s Behind the North Texas Quakes? A KERA/StateImpact Texas Discussion will be moderated by KERA Senior Reporter Doualy Xaykaothao, who has covered major earthquakes in Japan, Indonesia and Thailand. The panel discussion will include state Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford, Reno Mayor Lynda Stokes, SMU Associate Professor of Geophysics Heather DeShon, and StateImpact Texas reporter Mose Buchele, who’s covered the oil and gas industry for many years. Audience questions will be moderated by StateImpact Texas reporter Terrence Henry.

What:     What’s Behind the North Texas Quakes? A KERA/State Impact Texas Discussion

When:    Wednesday, June 18, 7 to 8pm

Where:   Azle High School Auditorium; Map: 1200 Boyd Road – Azle, TX 76020

Cost:        Free and open to the public

ABOUT KERA

KERA is a not-for-profit public media organization reaching the fifth-largest population area in the United States through KERA-TV, KERA WORLD, KERA 90.1, and the Triple-A music station KXT 91.7. For over 50 years, North Texans have turned to KERA as a vibrant destination for community engagement and lifelong learning. KERA produces original multimedia content, carries the best in national and international public television and radio programs, and provides online resources at www.kera.org.

ABOUT STATEIMPACT TEXAS

StateImpact Texas is a collaboration of local public radio stations KUT Austin and KUHF Houston. Reporters Mose Buchele, Terrence Henry and Dave Fehling travel the state to report on how energy and environmental issues affect you. Read their reports and listen to them on NPR member stations.