#United States #Columbus #Save Ohio Parks #fracking #Environmental Advocacy

Environmental Organizations Call for Fracking Moratorium in Ohio

In a significant move, Save Ohio Parks, along with 29 allied environmental and advocacy organizations, has urged Governor Mike DeWine to implement a moratorium on all new nominations, bids, and leases for fracking activities beneath Ohio's cherished state parks and public lands. This coalition is deeply concerned about the potential health and safety risks associated with hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, particularly in such vital natural areas.

The Call for Action

Cathy Cowan Becker, president of the board at Save Ohio Parks, voiced strong concerns regarding the lack of public discussion around crucial safety criteria that must be considered before allowing fracking in these sensitive regions. She highlighted a recent explosion at a Gulfport well pad located just five miles away from the Salt Fork State Park, underlining the inherent dangers of the industry. There have been, on average, 250 reported accidents related to gas and oil operations yearly since 2015, which shockingly translates to one incident every 1.5 days.

The coalition's letter outlines six critical reasons for demanding an immediate cessation of fracking activities:
1. Inadequate Enforcement: The enforcement of laws regarding health and environmental risks associated with gas and oil accidents has been lackluster, as evidenced by serious incidents like the fire and evacuation prompted by a well pad explosion in Antrim, Ohio.
2. Toxic Chemicals: The fracking process employs unidentified and unregulated volatile and toxic chemicals, which have been linked to severe health issues, including cancer.
3. Incident Underreporting: Almost 2,000 gas and oil incidents have gone unaddressed, underreported to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources between 2015 and 2023.
4. Improper Waste Management: The gas and oil industry has exhibited poor waste management practices, including the disposal of billions of gallons of radioactive wastewater underground, where it poses risks to groundwater quality.
5. Lack of Health Studies: There are no comprehensive studies assessing the health impacts on communities living near gas and oil facilities.
6. Poor Emergency Preparedness: Communication and evacuation plans for residents and tourists have been deemed inadequate in the face of accidents involving emissions, methane leaks, or chemical incidents.

Becker emphasized that the state parks and public lands are the collective property of Ohio residents and are deserving of protection from political agendas and industrial exploitation. "All Ohioans deserve clean air, water, and soil, as they are fundamental to our wellbeing and the future of our children and grandchildren," she stated.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond the immediate concerns regarding public safety and environmental health, the coalition argues that methane emissions resulting from fracking are significantly more harmful than carbon dioxide, intensifying climate change and environmental degradation. Furthermore, the promise of job creation associated with fracking has largely been debunked, with claims suggesting that it results in negligible local employment and overall population decline in Ohio. Property owners often face forced unitization, where their mineral rights are taken against their will.

In light of these challenges, Becker called for a renewed commitment to the preservation of Ohio's natural resources, urging that Ohio's parks are not seen as monetizable assets but as invaluable community treasures.

Coalition Support

The movement has garnered support from a wide array of organizations, including notable names such as the Athens Conservancy, the Sierra Club Ohio, and many grassroots coalitions dedicated to environmental justice and advocacy. Together, they emphasize that the time has come for decisive action to protect Ohio’s parks and public lands from the risks associated with fracking.

Download the full letter from the coalition addressed to Governor DeWine here for further details on their demands and rationale for a moratorium on fracking in Ohio.

In conclusion, the ongoing dialogue around fracking in Ohio highlights a critical intersection between environmental protection and community health – a reminder that the stewardship of our natural spaces must be prioritized in policymaking.