Anti-fracking activists submit enough signatures to get measure on ballot again

YOUNGSTOWN

A group of Youngstown activists hopes the fourth time is the charm after seeing the Community Bill of Rights defeated three times at the polls.

Citizens representing Frack Free Mahoning Valley submitted 2,045 signatures today at city hall, which is more than the 1,126 required to get the charter amendment on the November ballot, assuming the signatures are all valid. Each of the previous times the issue has appeared on the ballot it has been defeated, but he vote has been closer in terms of percentages each time.

“The only way we lose is if we give up,” said Susie Beiersdorfer.

The bill would call for fracking, and any activities related to the practice, to be banned in the city limits. The state has said the bill is unenforceable because state law gives the Ohio Department of Natural Resources sole discretion in licensing oil and gas activity in the state.

Susie Beiersdorfer said things like the bill of rights need to pass so the issue of state versus local control can be decided in court.

The Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 396 and the Community Mobilization Coalition again have expressed their opposition to the bill, and have said they will again fight the proposed amendment. The groups noted that if passed it would have a negative impact on the potential business opportunities in Youngstown.

Read the complete story in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.