Ohio panel approves funding to hire more fracking inspectors

COLUMBUS — A lawmaker panel approved $2 million in additional spending today for a state agency to hire more inspectors to handle Ohio’s increasing fracking activities.

The State Controlling Board appropriation will fund about 14 new full-time employees, plus related equipment and other costs related to the regulation of oil and gas production.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Oil and Gas Program expects to hire a total of about 70 people by the end of fiscal 2013 to cover the expanding industry, according to documents.

ODNR oversees oil and gas drilling and production activities in the state, including inspecting new wells and capping abandoned ones.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com