House supports oil, gas drilling in Ohio state parks

COLUMBUS — The Columbus Dispatch reported today that House Republicans introduced a bill this week that would allow oil and gas companies to drill in state parks and other state-owned properties.

House Bill 133, introduced by Rep. John Adams, a Celina Republican, is similar to one lawmakers advanced in 2008. It would create a five-person board that would include two voting members from the oil and gas industry. Gov. John Kasich would appoint members.

This panel would make state-owned lands available by lease to the highest-bidding oil and gas companies, according to the newspaper's website.

Though past proposals have failed to pass the Legislature, David Mustine, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, says he's "open to the idea" because it would bring in desperately needed funding.

The governor also has said he supports drilling in state parks.