Fracking opponents collect signatures for ballot issues in Niles, Youngstown

Fracking opponents collect signatures for ballot issues in Niles, Youngstown

Associated Press

YOUNGSTOWN

Backers of a proposed ban on hydraulic fracturing in Youngstown say they’re not giving up despite two defeats at the polls in 2013.

The proposed Community Bill of Rights lost in the May and November elections. The measure would have prohibited the high-pressure oil and gas drilling technique, also called fracking, inside city limits.

A spokeswoman says ban supporters in Youngstown and neighboring Niles are now gathering signatures for another ballot attempt in March 2014.

Spokeswoman and geologist Susie Beiersdorfer said supporters believe they can win this time because public understanding of the issue is growing. She noted that voter support for the issue increased from spring to fall.