The Ohio Environmental Council is your voice at the Ohio Statehouse and the US Congress.
We analyze and track all legislation relevant to Ohio's air, land, and water. We brief lawmakers and their staff on issues and solutions. We testify before powerful legislative committees. We share information with reporters. All to help protect and restore Ohio's vital natural resources.
OEC Testifies Before Youngstown City Council regarding Oil & Gas Wastewater Disposal
Jack Shaner, OEC's Deputy Director appeared before the Public Utilies Committee of the Youngstown City Council to share information and recommendations about the safe disposal of waste water from oil and gas production.
As with any industrial activity, the development of oil and gas-including the eventual disposal of waste water-involves risk. The people of Youngstown, of course, are well aware of one risk from the deep well injection of waste water: increased seismic activity (earthquakes).
The people of Youngstown are not alone with concerns about oil and gas production and the associated disposal of waste water and brine water.
From the testimony:
The production process for shale gas and oil involves the use of millions of gallons of water, sand, and chemicals to shatter the shale rock (Marcellus and Utica formations) and release the trapped oil and gas. A significant portion of these fluids along with brine waters in the rock formations comes back to the surface along with the oil and gas. This waste water must then be safely handled and disposed of.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, waste water associated with shale gas extraction can contain high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), fracturing fluid additives (which include a number of toxic constituents, including Benzene-which is known to cause cancer-Ethylbenzene, Toulene, Xylene, and diesel fuel), metals, and naturally occurring radioactive materials (including uranium, thorium, radium, and lead-210)
Read the full testimony
OEC submits comments regarding oil and gas well construction
Columbus, OH - On November 28, the OEC provided comments to ODNR's Division of of Oil and Gas Resources Management about the draft rules Oil and Gas Well Construction to Implement O.R.C. Sec. 1509.17.
"Our concerns take two forms. The first set of concerns are conceptual, the second set are specific to the language of the draft rules. The draft rules, as currently written, are for one static period of time, the point in time that the well is constructed. The major problem with this approach is that it assumes that the conditions that occur at the point of construction will remain static over time. In fact, that is exactly what will NOT happen. This newly drilled well will have to exist in a dynamic situation where conditions are always changing, for the life of the well as an oil or gas generating well and as potentially a future Class II injection well. While these draft rules discuss construction and testing at the time of installation, they DO NOT call for ongoing testing and maintenance which will be critical if the wells are to function safely over time. It is possible that the issues of ongoing testing and maintenance will be covered in another set of draft rules, but it is also possible that they
will not be addressed at all and so, therefore, they should be commented on - and corrected by the
Department - here and now."
Read full comments
Proposed repeal of clean energy standard threatens immediate job losses, from Napoleon to Newark
Legislation proposed this week by State Senator Kris Jordan (R-Powell) could cripple one of the fastest growing sectors of Ohio's economy-the clean energy sector.
The Jordan proposal, Ohio Senate Bill 216, would repeal Ohio's clean energy standard which requires major utility companies to supply at least 12.5% of the electric power sold in Ohio by 2025 to come from renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, hydro, geothermal and other clean energy sources.
Read full press release.
State Senator Proposes Legislation on Fracking Moratorium
On August 7, Ohio Senator Michael Skindell proposed a moratorium (Ohio Senate Bill 213) on horizontal hydraulic fracturing (aka fracking) of oil and gas wells until the United States EPA completes its study of fracking's potential risks to drinking and ground water resources posed by HHF and the Ohio Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management issues a report analyzing how Ohio's rules address issues raised in the USEPA report.
The Ohio Environmental Council believes that it is altogether reasonable, appropriate, and urgent to call a timeout on Ohio's black gold rush.
UPDATED:
Gov. Kasich vetoes legislation that would drain Lake Erie
On July 15, Ohio Governor John Kasich unexpectedly vetoed an industry-backed bill that threatened to allow factories and other industrial facilities to withdraw millions of gallons of water from Lake Erie and inland waterways that drain to it, without government oversight.
Read more about the veto.
Legislature risks death of Lake Erie water supply by a thousand straws
A massive tidal wave hit the shores of the Ohio Lake Erie basin earlier this week. The storm wasn't due to natural causes. Rather it was political forces that caused the General Assembly to buckle to big business and deliver a colossal blow to Lake Erie's shallow, vulnerable ecosystem.
On Tuesday, June 28, the Ohio Senate rushed headlong to follow the Ohio House of Representatives in approving legislation that was supposed to sustain water supplies for the five Great Lakes and the rivers, tributaries, and ground water that drain to the Lakes.
Read more
Great Lakes Compact Bill Overlooks Science, Leaving Our Streams, Rivers, and Lake Erie at Risk
Environmental-conservation organizations, small businesses, lawyers and scientists from across Ohio, collectively known as the Coalition for Sustainable Communities, agree that legislation introduced recently in the Ohio House and Senate to implement the Great Lakes Compact falls far short of the comprehensive, science-based approach required and necessary to protect the surface and ground water that sustain Lake Erie and its related wildlife, industry and related jobs.
House Bill 231 (Wachtmann-R) and Senate Bill 170 (Grendell-R) recently were introduced in their respective chambers. While both bills have the support of certain industry interests, the Coalition for Sustainable Communities points out that the bills leave approximately 80 percent of Ohio's streams wholly unprotected.
Read:
OEC Testimony Opposing House Bill 133:
Oil & Gas Drilling in State Parks
The OEC strongly opposes House Bill 133 (As Passed by the House). We simply believe that oil and gas extraction is unfit, unsafe, unsightly, unnecessary, and unwanted on Ohio's state parks and other state lands with significant ecological, natural, scenic, recreational, geological, or archeological features.
We do acknowledge and appreciate the fact that the House added several amendments to the original bill, including an important floor amendment to expressly protect State Nature Preserves from oil and gas development.
We remain opposed, however, for two basic reasons:
- The bill opens State Parks to oil and gas development.
- The bill continues to advantage private interests to the disadvantage of the public interest.
Read testimony.
OEC testimony regarding Regarding
Ohio House Bill 133 - Oil and Gas Extraction on State Lands
The OEC strongly opposes HB 133 that would not only open, but would promote and encourage oil and gas drilling on state lands, including state parks, nature preserves and the single state wilderness area currently protected from these activities - the Shawnee Wilderness Area. We are especially opposed to - and are appalled by - the notion of unconventional horizontal hydrofracturing in these very special places. This testimony was given by Ellen Mee, OEC's Director of Environmental Health.
Read testimony.
OEC testimony on the proposed redesignation of central Ohio in meeting the 1997 national fine particulate matter standard
On behalf of our over 100 environmental and conservation member organizations and thousands of members throughout the state of Ohio, the Ohio Environmental Council respectfully submits comments on the proposed redesignation of central Ohio in meeting the 1997 PM 2.5 standard.
In short, we need the Kasich Administration and the General Assembly to step up and make Ohio a leader in the Midwest instead of a laggard when it comes to cleaning up poor air quality. We know that every dollar invested in diesel cleanup yields anywhere from $12 to $20 in health care savings. The days of dirty, deadly, diesel emissions are numbered, let's put the final nail in the coffin by adopting strong measures that protect the public's health.
Read the entire OEC Testimony.
OEC testimony as Interested Party regarding Ohio House Bill 153: Biennial Operating Budget
The OEC appreciates the extremely challenging budget situation of the State of Ohio. We are not seeking increases in spending for environmental protection and natural resource conservation, even though we believe they are well justified. Nor are we asking that the general taxpayers of Ohio be asked to share more of the cost of these important programs through the General Revenue Fund (GRF).
We are here, though, to respectfully express three general recommendations:
- 1. Please resist any effort to further reduce the spending authority of the Ohio EPA or the spending authority or appropriations of the ODNR. The workload of each of the agencies has not decreased; in fact, it is only increasing as staff resources are declining. The ODNR budget, in particular, has experienced a steady and steep decline in GRF appropriations-43%-from $$95M in FY 2000 to $54M in FY 2011.
- 2. As the economy recovers and as fee and GRF income increase, we believe the Administration and the General Assembly should revisit the budget and adjust the spending authority and appropriations for important environmental protection and natural resource conservation programs, accordingly.
- 3. For the ODNR, consider emulating the funding structure of the EPA and transfer more of the burden of funding regulatory oversight of extractive activities off of general taxpayers and the GRF and place it, instead, onto the extractive industries that profit from the development of natural resources.
Read the entire OEC Testimony on HB 153.
OEC's testimony opposing Ohio House Bill 133 (As Introduced): Oil & gas extraction on state-owned and state-controlled lands, including Ohio's State Parks.
The OEC strongly believes that industrial development such as oil and gas extraction is unfit, unsafe, unsightly, unnecessary, and unwanted on Ohio's state parks and other state lands with significant ecological, natural, scenic, recreational, geological, or archeological features. Instead, we respectfully recommend that the General Assembly and the Administration consider other options for providing adequate resources for protection and administration of our state lands..
Read the OEC's Testimony on HB133.
OEC opposes HCR 4, funding uranium enrichment work in Piketon, Ohio, due to financial risks
Serious questions exist about the financial risks surrounding the uranium enrichment work being developed by USEC, Inc. at its Piketon, Ohio, plant. The OEC opposes HCR 4, which would ensure continuation of USEC's work at this plant.
Read the OEC's Green Paper on HCR 4.
OEC testimony as Interested Party to the Ohio Senate on House Bill 114 (as passed by the House): Biennial Transportation Budget Bill
Based on its priorities for fuel economy, air pollution control, public mobility, and economic development, the OEC offers comments on the proposed Ohio Transportation Budget including supporting total funding for public transportation, supporting funding to make safety upgrades at rail-highway crossings, and opposing increasing truck weight limits.
Read the OEC's testimony on HB 114.
OEC testimony opposed to Senate Bill 2: Regulatory Reform
Regulations to protect public health and the environment were required by the General Assembly to benefit and protect the people of this state, and must continue to do so. Reformation should be focused on process and not on substantive protections. However, if a regulation is adding costs and not benefiting Ohio's environmental or human health, it must be replaced with regulations that are protective.
Read the OEC's testimony on SB 2.
OEC testimony as interested party on House Bill 114 (As Introduced): Biennial Transportation Budget Bill
Local public transit agencies are in need of much more funding. The budget for the current FY 2011 sets aside $40M in such federal dollars, with $25 million allocated to assist transit agencies with operating expenses and $15 million going toward the purchase of environmentally friendly buses.
We strongly support getting back to that level of support. We also hope that ODOT will prioritize the purchase of fuel efficient buses. Nonetheless, we appreciate the current Administration's recognition of the need for funding. The OEC respectfully but vigorously urges the Subcommittee to at least maintain the proposed $20M per FY appropriation.
Read the OEC's testimony on HB 114.
OEC testimony as interested party on Ohio House Bill 48: Damage Recovery for Environmental Illnesses, Injuries, or Hazards
While the OEC has no position or interest in the vast majority of House Bill 48, we strongly oppose the proposed new four-year "statute of repose" regarding the liabilities of any corporation that voluntarily dissolves, expires, or is cancelled.
We believe it poses very grave limitations on the ability of property owners, injured persons, and taxpayers to achieve compensation for property damage, human health, or natural resource impacts caused by a corporation that has dissolved.
Read the OEC's testimony on HB 48.
OEC supports Ohio House Bill 10
Brownfield Redevelopment
Authorizes a refundable credit against the personal income tax or commercial activity tax for a person who commences a voluntary action to remediate contaminated property and who receives a covenant not to sue under Ohio's Voluntary Action Program. Authorizes an additional refundable credit if the person returns the property to productive use.
Read the OEC's Green Paper on HB 10.
OEC supports Ohio House Bill 301
Advanced Energy Fund
Turning pennies into millions - and leveraging millions more in private investment in clean energy projects. That is why it is important to extend Ohio's Advanced Energy Fund.
Read the OEC's Green Paper on HB 301.
OEC supports Ohio Senate Bill 232:
Energy Tax Reform
Ohio's uncompetitive tax rate on wind and solar installations is delaying and preventing the construction of clean energy projects across our state. Unless reformed, it will drive more of these projects to our competitor states. These projects do more than tap renewable energy and make us more energy independent; they also create new jobs and investment in Ohio.
Read the OEC's Green Paper on SB 232.
OEC support House Bill 352:
Safe Drinking Water
Safe drinking water. Few things are more basic to life itself. And few government services are more vital than the delivery of safe drinking water supplies by local public water systems.
Combining stronger policing of compliance along with stiffer penalties for wanton violations of Ohio's Safe Drinking Water Law, House Bill 352 provides a potent blend of prevention and cure.
Read the OEC's Green Paper on HB 352.
OEC Supports Ohio Senate Bill 110:
Household Sewage Treatment
An estimated one million Ohio homeowners live in areas not served by a public sewer system. The Ohio EPA's 1997 Comparative Risk Project report warned ".when an on-site system discharges improperly treated wastewater to a ditch or storm sewer, anyone who comes in contact with the water is at risk." According to the Comparative Risk Project, an estimated 27% of all existing on-site HSTS in Ohio were failing to adequately treat wastewater. The report warned that some 270,000 homes may be at risk due to inadequate on-site wastewater treatment.
The OEC urges support for this compromise bill to improvement the treatment of household waste.
Read the OEC's Green Paper on SB 110.
OEC supports Ohio Senate Bill 155:
Soil & Water Conservation Funds
Senate Bill 155 provides critical stop-gap funding to maintain technical assistance and to provide better matching funds for local soil and water conservation efforts, fee increase. The OEC strongly supports this bill.
Read the OEC's Green Paper on SB 115.
OEC supports Ohio Senate Bill 223:
Affordable Energy Improvements
Clean, affordable energy. Is it possible to have both? For millions of Ohioans, it certainly can be when this legislation is passed into law. Senate Bill 223 will make it possible for property owners in participating municipal corporations to invest in energy improvements.
Read the OEC's Green Paper on SB 223.
OEC supports Ohio House Bill 7, Energy Efficient State Buildings - May 2010
Ohio House Bill 7 (as passed by the Ohio House of Representatives) requires a building or structure constructed using state capital moneys to adhere to certain energy efficiency and building standards and to encourage the use of Ohio-produced products.
The Ohio Environmental Counci SUPPORTS Ohio House Bill 7.
Read the OEC's Green Paper on this issue.
Yes on Issues 1 & 2 - April 28
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio Environmental Council announced today that they are joining forces to urge Ohio voters to vote YES on Issues 1 and 2.
Issue 1 proposes a $700 million renewal in state bonds for Ohio's Third Frontier program, a public-private partnership that fosters innovation, invention and investment by Ohio-based high-tech industries. Since its start in 2005, the Third Frontier has helped develop more than 637 companies, expand existing companies, and create more than 55,000 new jobs.
Issue 2 proposes to move the site of Columbus' future casino from downtown to the site of a former auto parts factory. Even though Issue 2 affects only the Columbus casino, a statewide vote is necessary to authorize the move.
For more information, read the OEC's Press Release
OEC testifies on threat of Asian carp to Lake Erie - February 9
The Ohio Environmental Council provided testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation & Infrastructure Committee on the tremendous threat that bighead and silver carp (referred to as Asian carp collectively) pose to the Great Lakes and why we need to take immediate action to prevent Asian carp from reaching Lake Erie.
Right now, Asian carp are poised to enter Lake Michigan through the Chicago Sanitary Ship Canal and devastate the recreational and economic value the Great Lakes provide Ohio.
Read the OEC's testimony
Read Cleveland Plain Dealer editorial
OEC opposes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' plan to dump dredged material into Lake Erie - January 20, 2010
The OEPA is currently considering whether or not to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dump up to 1.9 million cubic yards of dredged material into the open-lake. This irresponsible practice is counterproductive to our efforts to restore our Great Lakes and provide our families with a good quality of life.
The "clean" dredged material rather should be used for restoring our Great Lake. The deadline for receiving comments was just extended to February 22. Please take a moment and send in comments opposing any open-lake disposal option. Click here for the public notice and where to send comments.
OEC opposes House Bill 363 - Transferring authority to administer the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System for Confined Animal Feeding Operations
- December 1, 2009
Never before has any state agency, other than the state agency that is charged with environmental protection, been granted authority to administer the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System.
Read OEC's Testimony
Proposal to transfer authority that oversees waste pollution on large scale industrial farms - December 2009
Ohio House Bill 363 (as introduced) is intended to consummate the transfer of authority to administer the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) as it pertains to Confined Animal Feeding operations (CAFOs), to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The NPDES program is one of the primary tools given to the USEPA by the Congress, under the Clean Water Act. The USEPA has customarily
delegated the authority to administer this program to State agencies charged with environmental protection.
The Ohio Environmental Counci OPPOSES Ohio House Bill 363.
Read the OEC's testimony before the Ohio House of Representatives on this issue.
Interested Party Testimony for Ohio Senate Bill 165 (As Introduced) - November
BACKGROUND & PERSPECTIVE
This debate, as state officials have testified, represents a rare opportunity to reform and update Ohio’s oil and gas development and oversight laws. To become better informed about this complex issue and detailed chapter of law, the OEC has had initial discussions with officials at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and its Division of Mineral Resources Management (DMRM), the oil and gas industry, and citizen organizations. We plan to continue this dialogue with all affected parties and to consult with third-party experts.
The Ohio Environmental Counci is an interested party for Ohio Senate Bill 165 (As Introduced).
Read the OEC's testimony before the Ohio Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee on this issue.
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