DeMora Blasts Republican Administration's Decision to Allow Fracking on State Lands

Today, state Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) spoke out against the decision of the Republican-led Ohio Gas and Land Management Commission (OGLMC) to allow fracking in state parks despite protests from the public and an active investigation from the Attorney General’s office to look into possible fraud committed by a lobbying firm representing the oil and gas industry.

“With the nominations being so fraught with fraud and lies, there was no way for the OGLMC to have a fair and unbiased opinion,” said DeMora. “The OGLMC had a duty to wait for the Attorney General’s investigation to finish before allowing any potential nomination hearings.”

According to reports by Cleveland.com, at least 150 names were used to submit testimony in favor of fracking on public land without their knowledge, including the name of a 9-year-old girl. The Consumer Energy Alliance had sent over 1,000 pieces of written testimony pertaining to the issue of fracking at Salt Fork State Park. It is unclear how many more are fraudulent. An investigation led by the Ohio Attorney General’s office is still ongoing.

Despite the continuing investigation, the OGLMC unanimously voted to grant seven requests for fracking under one state park and two state wildlife areas, totaling over 20,000 acres. The hearing had approximately 100 protesters. Starting in January, the OGLMC will accept bids from oil and gas companies, a process that could conclude early next year.

“There is still time for the OGLMC to do what is right and stop this nonsense,” said DeMora. “When will the Republican party grow a spine and stand up to the oil and gas lobby that seeks to pollute our air and poison our children?”