Ohio Lawmakers Oppose Fracking in State Parks

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Two Ohio state representatives, Christine Cockley of Columbus and Tristan Rader of Lakewood, are speaking out against a proposal to allow oil and gas development in the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area, a 18,000-acre state-owned nature preserve. They argue that exploiting public lands and parks for private profit goes against the interests of Ohioans and future generations.

Why it matters

This issue highlights the ongoing tension in Ohio between environmental protection and resource extraction industries like oil and gas. While some landowners benefit from royalty payments, there are concerns that the risks of pollution and habitat destruction outweigh the modest state royalties paid by frackers. The outcome could set a precedent for the future of Ohio's public lands.

The details

The Egypt Valley Wildlife Area is located in Belmont and Guernsey counties and includes the Piedmont Lake, managed by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. Reps. Cockley and Rader are urging the public to submit comments to the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission, which is considering bids to allow oil and gas development on this state-owned property. They argue that exploiting public lands for private profit is unacceptable and that Ohio's parks and wildlife areas should be preserved for the enjoyment of all Ohioans.

• The Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission will accept public comments on the proposed Egypt Valley development until March 7, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission will decide whether to allow oil and gas development in the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area after the public comment period ends on March 7, 2026.