Gov. Kasich expected to allow drilling in state parks
COLUMBUS (AP) — A bill that would open up state parks and other lands in Ohio to oil and gas drilling is headed to the governor’s desk.
A spokesman for Gov. John Kasich says he will sign the measure.
The House voted 57-38 today to agree to changes the Senate had made to the legislation.
The bill sets up a commission to oversee oil and gas leasing in the state. It also requires state agencies to create property inventories that could yield potential drilling sites.
New technology has prompted a surge in oil and gas production in the Marcellus Shale formation, part of which runs under eastern Ohio. The bill’s supporters say drilling will create jobs and reduce dependence on foreign oil.
Opponents say such development would harm vistas and groundwater.