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

Rallying Against Fracking in Ohio's State Parks

In a passionate gathering in Columbus, environmental advocates and Ohio residents united to voice their concerns over the state’s plan to expand fracking operations in state parks and public lands. This assembly, which marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over fracking in Ohio, highlighted the potential environmental fallout that could affect air quality, water resources, soil integrity, and biodiversity—putting future generations at risk.

Organizations such as Save Ohio Parks, the Freshwater Accountability Project, and Third Act Ohio presented their arguments directly to the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commissioners. For the first time in three years, representatives from these advocacy groups expressed their concerns about the expansion of fracking under Ohio's land.

The points raised during the meeting were alarming. Advocates discussed the undemocratic legislative process that initiated these dangerous policies and addressed the serious risks posed by potential drinking water contamination in regions like Washington County. Injection wells, which hold toxic and radioactive wastes, are endangering the water supply by communicating with nearby conventional oil wells. The implications of such interactions could jeopardize rural drinking water resources and groundwater quality.

Additionally, the assembly underscored other threats posed by fracking, such as the risk of earthquakes induced by injection wells, loss of biodiversity leading to potential extinction of species like the endangered Indiana bats and eastern hellbenders, and the increase in methane emissions from natural gas production. These emissions are linked to severe health issues, including rare cancers in children and heightened respiratory diseases.

Testimonies from community members conveyed a range of emotions, intertwining the personal with the political and scientific. Many speakers shared personal stories that illustrated the deep connection Ohioans have with their natural environment. They called upon the commissioners to consider the long-term implications of their decisions, not just for current residents but for generations to come.

Despite the compelling evidence and emotional appeals presented, the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commissioners seemingly remained unmoved, voting unanimously to allow Grenadier Energy III LLC the rights to frack approximately 171 acres of the Leesville Wildlife Area in Carroll County. This approval, which involved accepting $1 million for the leases along with a percentage of future royalties, has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists who see it as a betrayal of public trust.

The urgency of the situation intensified with broader legislative implications. Recent measures introduced by Governor Mike DeWine's administration have made the Ohio Department of Natural Resources reliant on fracking revenues to fund half of its state parks budget by 2027. This reliance on fossil fuel extraction for budgetary needs is perceived as a direct conflict with conservation efforts.

In a coalition forming early in 2025, over 30 environmental organizations urged Governor DeWine to impose a statewide moratorium on fracking in public lands, emphasizing the overwhelming opposition from the public. Over 7,000 comments submitted against fracking proposals reflect a significant concern among residents—typically, 98% of submissions on the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission’s website oppose fracking initiatives.

Save Ohio Parks, which was founded following controversial legislative actions in 2023, aims to protect Ohio’s parks and wildlife areas from fracking. The group criticizes the last-minute amendments to regulations that falsely categorize natural gas as a