Ohio Panel Approves Fracking on State Park Land Amid Protests
In a recent meeting, the Oil and Gas Land Management Commission of Ohio approved the opening of additional state park lands for oil and gas drilling, igniting protests from environmental activists. Dressed in holiday costumes, a group from Save Ohio Parks disrupted the proceedings with rewritten Christmas carols focused on the fracking issue, making it difficult to hear the commission’s discussions.
The commission’s decision allows energy companies to bid for drilling rights on 371.42 acres and 513.11 acres at Salt Fork State Park, despite receiving overwhelming opposition from public feedback—around 600 comments, with 98% against the drilling plans. The identities of the bidding entities remain confidential until permits are finalized. Additionally, the commission granted Gulfport Appalachia of Oklahoma the right to drill on 30 acres in the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area in Belmont County.
This approval comes as part of a larger legislative shift, following a bill passed in late 2022 that mandated the commission to proceed with leasing state lands for drilling. The law changed the regulatory language from "may" to "shall," effectively expediting the permitting process. Originally designed to restrict poultry chick purchases, the bill has been criticized for cluttering the legislative agenda with various unrelated issues, earning the nickname "Christmas tree bill." Notably, the bill also designated natural gas as "green energy," despite its primary component being methane.
As debates surrounding environmental protection and energy development intensify, the commission’s decision marks a significant step in Ohio’s approach to energy resources, drawing ire and concern from environmental advocates. The timeline for when drilling will commence remains uncertain.
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