Consider Ohio’s new energy law only the beginning for oversight

Legislation signed into law last week by Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich provides tough but fair regulation of the state’s emerging shale-drilling industry, but it cannot be regarded as the endpoint in state oversight.

Instead it should be regarded as a solid starting point. Many of its features do strike a strong balance between public safety and industrial growth. But some of its provisions deserve further review and possible revision by the Ohio General Assembly after its summer recess.

To be sure, the swift growth of the oil and gas drilling industry in the Buckeye State has served as an indisputable catalyst to the state’s still wobbly economy. It has played a leading role in Ohio’s continual slide out of joblessness, which on Friday was reported at 7.3 percent, its lowest point since October 2008.

To be sure as well, Senate Bill 315 signed in Akron by Kasich with a little bipartisan help from Sean O’Brien, Democrat state representative from Trumbull County, stands as one of the toughest and most comprehensive regulatory measures over shale drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the nation.

Nonetheless, it is not the be-all and end-all for oversight of the industry. Environmentalists and public-health advocates point to ongoing concerns over some elements of the new law, including those that would block residents’ ability to appeal the terms and conditions of some well permits and those lacking complete disclosure of contents of fracking fluids.

Those and other issues that will emerge as the industry continues its growth in Ohio cannot be overlooked by state regulators and legislators. Our lawmakers must remain vigilant in responding to their priority interest: the health and public safety of all Ohioans.