Earthquakes lead Texas agency to hire seismologist

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A key state agency has hired a seismologist, part of an effort to tackle a sudden increase in earthquakes in areas of Texas with significant oil and gas drilling activities.

The Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates drilling statewide, announced Friday that it had hired seismologist David Craig Pearson, a former team leader for a Los Alamos National Laboratory seismic experimental field team. He holds a doctorate in geophysics from Southern Methodist University.