CNG bill passes Ohio House

CNG bill passes Ohio House

COLUMBUS

A bill sponsored by state Rep. Sean J. O’Brien of Brookfield, D-63rd, that would incentivise public and commercial fleets to switch over to using compressed natural gas for fuel cleared the Ohio House of Representatives by a unanimous vote.

Modeled on successful efforts in other states, HB 336 offers tax incentives for five years to companies to help them cover the cost of switching to CNG-powered vehicles. The bill also includes grants for local governments and nonprofits, which are not eligible to receive tax credits. O’Brien’s bill beat out a competing bill in the House and now moves on to the Ohio Senate.

Third man charged in dumping case

Columbus

A third man is now charged in the case against Hardrock Excavating LLC for polluting the Mahoning River, according to a U.S. Department of Justice.

Mark Goff of Newton Falls is charged with one count of violating the Clean Water Act. According to investigators, Hardrock owner Ben Lupo ordered Groff and another employee, Michael Guesman, to dump fracking waste into a tributary of the Mahoning River in 2012.

Lupo and Guesman have already pleaded guilty.

Push for fracking ban

BOSTON

Environmental advocates are urging lawmakers to pass a ban on fracking.

The group Environment Massachusetts released a collection of personal stories from individuals affected by fracking across the country during a recent event near the main entrance to the Statehouse.

In November, a legislative committee approved a bill that would place a 10-year moratorium on fracking. The measure has yet to come up for a vote before the full Legislature.

Supporters of the technique say it’s a safe method for extracting natural shale gas that would otherwise remain trapped underground, and can help lower energy prices.

Antero to supply proposed plant

CHARLESTON, W. Va.

Denver-based Antero resources has announced that it will anchor the supply of ethane to the proposed Ascent petrochemical complex in Wood County, W.Va.

According to an Antero statement, the company plans to provide 30,000 barrels of ethane a day to Ascent, which represents almost half of the volume required to operate the proposed cracker plant in Parkersburg. Ascent, the Appalachian Shale Cracker Enterprise, is still considering the feasibility of the project.

Frack-sand manual

WINONA, Minn.

Minnesota’s Environmental Quality Board has approved a new manual to help local governments regulate the frack-sand industry.

The Winona Daily News reported that the manual addresses a wide range of issues, including truck traffic and public safety, air and water pollution and reclamation plans.

The manual suggests best practices and is meant to be a resource, but it doesn’t set specific guidelines, which industry critics had wanted. The board decided not to include guidelines because there’s not yet a good way to measure pollutants related to the frack-sand industry.

Several groups and agencies are working to measure the health impact of frack sand. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is among the agencies studying the issue.