Environmental groups challenge accelerated fracking plans in Ohio state parks

The Ohio Environmental Council and Earthjustice filed a motion to delay a meeting that could fast-track fracking in Salt Fork State Park and other Ohio state lands.

Laura Hancock reports for Cleveland.com.

In short:

• The motion is part of a lawsuit to prevent oil and gas development on state lands.
• The groups argue that the state is bypassing legal processes and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
• This is one of several legal efforts to protect Ohio's state parks from fossil fuel extraction.

Key quote:

"The state absolutely should not be leasing any of its state lands for oil and gas development."

— Chris Tavenor, lawyer for the Ohio Environmental Council.

Why this matters:

The push for fracking on state lands raises significant environmental concerns, including increased greenhouse gas emissions and the potential degradation of public natural resources, at a time when environmental conservation is crucial.

Fractured: The body burden of living near fracking.