..
The Ohio Senate passed HB 133 on Wednesday June 15th, 2011, to solidify the use of Hydraulic Fracturing in the drilling for Natural Gas on state parklands. Watch video to review passage of the bill:
HB 133 excludes drilling for natural gas within nature preserves, but critics of the bill argue drilling on the border of preserves will result in adverse effects.
The State will be using the standard industry lease to secure permits for gas companies, not a lease drafted by the Ohio Attorney General or any subcommittee. Proponents of this lease agreement favor not muddying the water of traditional methods, while those opposing say it will restrict the State’s ability to negotiate the terms of any lease.
The bill was voted in 22-10 in a republican controlled senate: with one democrat voting for, and one republican voting against.
Notable Quotes »
Sen. Kris Jordan (R) – 19th District
“With little or no risk to the state.” was spoken by Sen. Jordan after commenting that hundreds of millions of dollars would be injected into the state as a result of gas drilling within state parks.
After citing the rise of gas prices, dependence to dictatorial regimes, and the great recession; Sen. Jordan proclaimed “Let’s use facts, not fear to make our decision” going on to record that the process of fracturing has been active for 60yrs, while failing to mention that recent chemical solutions and horizontal drilling practices have changed the face of drilling for the 21st century. These changes mark the points for interest groups concerned about the drilling. Certain environmental groups have spoken in favor for responsible drilling, but quickly shun current fracking methods; asking for the industry to provide safer alternatives.
“State agencies have not identified one instance of well contamination,” which is untrue according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources where, “In December 2007, a Bainbridge, Ohio, home exploded after a natural gas company improperly drilled and fractured a nearby well. No one was injured, but releases of gas contaminated 23 water wells and forced evacuations of 19 homes.” Also, not the case for PA residents where in Bradford County residents are faced with an ever increasing risk to water well contamination. Last month the DEP fined $1m to Chesapeake Energy for the problem.
“The fact is it just won’t happen!” spoken in response to the possibility of fracking fluids appearing inside aquifers, or to the surface, after their injection underground. The Department of Environmental Protection in Pennsylvania’s most recent report states that less than 20% of the fracturing fluid is recaptured at the surface, leaving additional fluids to remain underground. Hydraulic Fracturing requires anywhere from 1 to 10 million gallons of water each time a well is fracked, with 1% of the water consisting of a confidential chemical solution. (read more about chemical makeup)
Sen. Michael Skindell (D) – 23rd District
“There’s limited experience… limited experience.” proposing an amendment (that failed to pass) for a moratorium on horizontal drilling within state parks. Stating that horizontal drilling is in its infancy and that the state should wait for the EPA’s report about its possible effects on drinking water. That report is to be expected in the following year.
Sen. Bill Coley (R) – 4th District
“I think we should embrace technology and defeat this amendment.” Stated after referring Sen. Skindell’s action to that of luddites.
A Triana fracking well in the state parklands of PA. Triana is currently being sued for personal property losses for its practices within PA. photo: Joshua B. Pribanic
Related Stories:
