Ohio Senate OKs drilling in state parks

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

State parks and other lands in Ohio would be opened to oil and gas drilling under a bill that has passed the state Senate.

The Republican-controlled Senate on Wednesday voted 22-10 on the plan. The legislation sets up a commission to oversee oil and gas leasing. It also requires state agencies to create property inventories that could yield potential drilling sites.

The House has passed the bill, but would have to agree to the Senate’s changes before it could go to the governor’s desk.

The bill’s supporters say Ohio could get fees and royalties of up to $9 million. Some proceeds would go to habitat protection and wildlife preservation.

Opponents say the state parks have historically been off limits to drilling, and allowing it will harm vistas and groundwater.