Ohio’s wells benefit residents

YOUNGSTOWN — Ohioans worried about the spiking cost of natural gas might find some relief close to home.

Very close, as in the backyard.

Tom Stewart, executive vice president of Ohio Oil and Gas Association, said natural gas prices should begin to moderate in the next 18 to 24 months — thanks to Ohio wells.

“Even though a well may not be on your property, the fact that a well or group of wells has been developed somewhere in the state of Ohio benefits everyone,” he said. “Gas produced in-state leads to less volatility, more reliability, and it helps to mitigate prices across the board for Ohio citizens.”

This means that in the coldest months of the year, when oil and gas are in the highest demand, prices will not rise as drastically for Ohio consumers because the resources are being pumped in-state, Stewart said.

Every little bit could help as the price of natural gas is already up 74 percent since last year, according to Dominion East Ohio.

For the complete story, see Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.