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Save Ohio Parks: A Call to Action Against Fracking Expansion

The fight to preserve Ohio's natural beauty has reached a boiling point as Save Ohio Parks has launched a passionate campaign urging Governor Mike DeWine to veto the newly proposed House Bill 308. This proposed law not only extends fracking leases in state parks and public lands but also controversially declares nuclear energy as a form of 'green' energy.

A Repeated Challenge for Nature Lovers

It's a scene that feels all too familiar for advocates of Ohio's parks. In 2022, during what many deemed a politically opportunistic session before the holidays, Ohio lawmakers passed legislation that allowed extensive fracking operations under the guise of a seemingly benign poultry bill. The amendments slipped into the bill went largely unnoticed by the public, leading to an uproar among environmentalists and park lovers. This year, reminiscent of the previous legislative session, the state's government is again attempting to circumvent public scrutiny.

Under House Bill 308, the window for fracking leases under state parks could extend for an alarming eight years. Such measures have not only raised eyebrows but have ignited a firestorm of backlash from environmental activists, who argue that these decisions are being made in the shadows, without proper public discourse or deliberation.

The Pushback

In response to this impending legislation, a coalition of environmental organizations, spearheaded by Save Ohio Parks, began mobilizing public opposition with an aggressive letter-writing campaign targeted at Governor DeWine. Over 610 individuals have already voiced their discontent, passionately penning their concerns about how this law could spell disaster for the state's precious natural landscapes.

"Our lawmakers are turning Ohio into an industrial colony for out-of-state corporations, ruining our beautiful natural spaces for short-term profits," argues Cathy Cowan Becker, board president of Save Ohio Parks. “We don’t need the energy here. The United States is already the largest exporter of methane gas in the world.”

The Dangers of Fracking

The opposition takes a hard stance against the fracking operations, particularly highlighting the adverse effects these activities can have on local water sources. Each fracked well can consume as much as 40 million gallons of fresh water, a resource that is increasingly becoming scarce amid ongoing climate change. This, combined with the toxic by-products of fracking, raises significant alarms about the sustainability and safety of water resources in Ohio.

Furthermore, Save Ohio Parks has raised serious concerns about the lax regulation of the oil and gas industry in the state. Their findings indicate a staggering 1,500 incidents associated with gas and oil operations in Ohio over just six years, including dangerous explosions and contamination events. The reality paints a troubling picture; the state's natural resources appear to be under increasing threat.

Broader Implications for Health and Environment

Public health is another critical concern as fracking continues to encroach upon vital land. The discussion around fracking isn’t just about energy; it's also about the health implications it brings. The wastewater produced from these operations, often contaminated with radioactive materials and toxic chemicals, poses a direct threat to the wellbeing of Ohioans living in proximity to fracking zones.

Leatra Harper from the Freshwater Accountability Project echoes Becker's sentiments, emphasizing, “Too much of Ohio's fresh water has already been compromised. With climate change, we face the risk of losing even more water resources.”

The message is clear: Ohio's environmental policies need a substantial overhaul; phasing out fossil fuel dependence and protecting fresh water resources should be paramount.

Call to Action

The time to act is now. Ohioans are encouraged to join the letter-writing campaign to Governor DeWine, expressing their opposition to House Bill 308. The coalition believes it is imperative to prioritize the health of the environment and the safety of the people over short-term gains from energy production.

For those wanting to lend their voice in this ongoing battle for Ohio’s parks and water, contributions can be made through SaveOhioParks.org or by contacting Governor DeWine directly at his online contact form at governor.ohio.gov/contact.

Preserving Ohio’s natural beauty and protecting its environmental health is a cause that unites park lovers, environmental activists, and concerned citizens. The moment to intervene is now, before fate seals the deal on Ohio's green spaces and fresh water.