On Friday, the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission approved the expansion of fracking across nearly 9,000 acres of public land, including areas within Egypt Valley Wildlife Area and Salt Fork State Park, despite more than 1,300 public comments opposing the plan.
“The OGLMC is not serious; it’s interested only in doing what Gov. Mike DeWine and
his gas and oil allies want—ignore the will of the public and rubberstamp dirty and
dangerous fracking under Ohio’s public lands. There meeting was over within 13
minutes,” said Save Ohio Parks leadership in a statement.
Advocates, environmental leaders, and community members gathered outside the
commission meeting Friday to denounce the decision and warn of its long-term
consequences.
“Fracking under these publicly owned natural areas is unconscionable,” said Linda New
of the Ohio Sierra Club. “There have been at least 2,000 incidents associated with oil
and gas wells in Ohio in the past eight years, including explosions, fires, and toxic
releases.”
The decision comes as part of a broader effort to open additional state-owned lands to oil and gas development, with more than 16,000 acres nominated since January. Advocates and environmental groups say the process raises concerns about transparency, public input, and long-term environmental impacts.
Opponents gathered outside the commission meeting to protest the move, arguing that drilling on public lands poses risks to air and water quality and could lead to increased pollution and health issues. They also criticized the pace and scope of approvals, saying the meeting was brief and lacked meaningful consideration of public feedback.
Supporters of the expansion say the development supports energy needs tied in part to growing electricity demand across the state.
Advocates opposing the plan say they will continue pushing for legislation to restrict or ban fracking on Ohio’s public lands.
