Toledo Reporter

Members of the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus have expressed their concerns regarding proposals to frack under Ohio's state parks. In a letter sent to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Oil and Gas Land Management Commission (OGLMC), the senators urged the commission to reject these applications. The senators highlighted the potential disastrous consequences that could arise from such activities, not only for the cleanliness and well-being of the state parks but also for the health and safety of the local residents and visitors.

The letter stated, "If the Commission is not prepared to outright reject all applications for fracking under Ohio's state parks, we hope that these concerns, shared both by us and by many Ohioans, at least give you pause. We strongly urge that you consider outright rejecting or, at minimum, delaying these applications."

The OGLMC, responsible for evaluating and deciding upon applications to extract oil and gas from Ohio's state lands, is currently reviewing applications to frack under various state parks, including Salt Fork in Guernsey County, Valley Run in Carroll County, Wolf Run in Noble County, and Zepernick Run in Columbiana County.

Today, at 10:30 AM, the OGLMC is scheduled to hold a meeting at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources headquarters in Columbus to discuss these applications.

The concerns raised by the senators reflect the sentiments of many Ohioans who value the natural beauty and tranquility of their state parks. They fear that fracking activities could lead to irreparable damage to the environment and pose risks to public health.

Ohio's state parks serve as peaceful refuges for both residents and visitors, offering opportunities for recreation and relaxation. The senators' plea to reject or delay the fracking applications underlines the importance of preserving these natural spaces for future generations.

The full text of the letter can be accessed here, providing detailed arguments against fracking under Ohio's state parks.

The decision made by the OGLMC will have significant implications for Ohio's natural resources and the well-being of its citizens. It remains to be seen whether the concerns expressed by the senators and many Ohioans will be taken into account during the commission's evaluation process.

To learn more, click on this link: https://ohiosenate.gov/members/paula-hicks-hudson/news/senate-democrats-urge-against-fracking-under-ohios-state-parks