Summit touts fracking benefits
Published: Thu, May 3, 2012 @ 12:00 a.m.
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
State lawmakers touted their efforts to regulate Ohio’s emerging oil- and gas-drilling industry Wednesday during a half-day summit near the Statehouse.
The Republican leaders of the Ohio House and Senate also praised oil and gas companies for cooperating on state-law changes to protect the environment and called for increased coordination with the state’s school systems to deepen the pool of skilled workers needed to fill the thousands of new job openings.
But lawmakers had little to say about an increase in the state’s oil and gas taxes related to horizontal hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, a change being sought by Gov. John Kasich.
http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/may/03/summit-touts-fracking-benefits/
http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/may/03/summit-touts-fracking-benefits/
Key lawmakers considering new regulations on a fledgling shale industry said Wednesday it is crucial that government regulations not be so strict as to block development in the field.
Speaking at an energy conference organized by The Hill, officials said overly burdensome regulations could essentially put an end to the industry that many argue has a significant potential for economic growth in Ohio.
House Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) said lawmakers are considering several options, but are looking for expertise on the best approach to regulate the industry.
"Unfortunately, businesses like this one can be killed off by government in a hurry," he said.
Rep. Dave Hall (R-Millersburg), chair of the House's Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee, noted that Ohio is in competition with other states for a limited number of drilling rigs. "We have to make sure that were out there making sure government's not in the way," he said.
The representative said only two things - underperforming wells and government - could hinder the expected growth of the industry.
Sen. Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville), whose district is home to many operations, said officials want to work with companies that could produce a "sudden surge" of economic activity in a long-depressed region of the state.
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