The Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission has allowed fracking leases under our parks and wildlife areas for years without any public input. On January 12, for the first time in three years, Ohioans had an opportunity to speak to the Commission at a public hearing to discuss the extension of fracking leases from 3 years to 5 years.
Ohioans showed up and took a stand against fracking on our public lands with impassioned and informed testimonies. Twenty-two people provided powerful statements against this extractive industry poisoning our state parks and natural areas. It was inspiring to hear the testimonies and heartening to be part of this event.
Despite the overwhelming opposition, the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission approved 17 nominations and bids to frack under our public lands. This included 6550 acres of Egypt Valley and Jockey Hollow wildlife areas. Additionally, they voted to allow Grenadier Energy to frack 171 acres in Leesville Wildlife Area.
No other state allows fracking under its state parks. “Fighting the oil and gas industry for our public lands in this state is a major uphill climb,” wrote Cathy Cowen Becker, Board President of Save Ohio Parks. On January 12 we took another huge step up that hill.
For updates and calls to action, please visit Save Ohio Parks.
To read one testimony from January 12, click here.