Ohio state senator would support drilling at parks

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR

COLUMBUS — The Republican head of the Ohio Senate said he would support legislative efforts to allow oil and gas drilling at state parks.

Senate President Bill Harris, from Ashland, said he would like to see the issue addressed in a stand-alone bill this session.

“Let’s get that passed and send it to the House and try to get it passed there,” Harris told Statehouse reporters this week. “I think that’s how it needs to be done. I think that way we can have hearings specifically on that. I think there’s support for it.”

Asked whether he would support such a bill, Harris replied, “with appropriate controls and protection, yes.”

The drilling issue initially was included in the state’s biennial budget, but lawmakers pulled the amendment before sending the bill to Gov. Ted Strickland.

The provision would have allowed the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to enter into oil and gas leases on state-owned land, including parks.

Supporters believe the setup could provide millions in rent payments for state projects while having a minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

But opponents have questioned the environmental impacts and said the Senate amendment did nothing to protect state lands. They also say projected potential revenues from lease agreements are inflated.