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.

EPA web site page on causes of climate change
Photo Credit: EPA Website/ https://www.epa.gov/climatechange-science/causes-climate-change

The EPA erases mention of human-caused climate change from its website

Some pages have been tweaked to emphasize ‘natural forces’; others have been deleted entirely.
An illustration of a burning sun falling below the horizon

Bill McKibben: A low point of human inaction on climate change

The second Trump Administration’s assault on the environment has been as damaging as expected, but other developments this year give at least some hope for the future.
visualization of big data digital data streams in a data center
Photo Credit: vladimircaribb/BigStock Photo ID: 262677853

NextEra teams with Google, Exxon in massive AI build-out

The largest U.S. renewable energy developer announced deals with companies that could bolster gas at data center hubs across the country.
Aerial view of Marcellus Shale fracking well in Pennsylvania
Copyright: shutterrudder/BigStock Photo ID: 53059774

Pennsylvania will study a plan to keep new natural gas pads farther from homes, schools and hospitals

Advocates say more distance is needed to protect public health. Industry groups and Republican legislators say the rule change would effectively ban natural gas development.
Drilling geothermal well for a residential geothermal heat pump. Workers on Drilling Rig.
Photo Credit: RGtimeline/BigStock Photo ID: 208821436

Not all drilling in Texas is about oil

The state has become a hub of innovation for creating electricity using geothermal power. Just don’t call it renewable.
A parking lot with a solar panel serving as a canopy for a car

Democrats revive clean-energy bills as Spanberger prepares to take office

With full Democratic control in Richmond and a new governor on the way, lawmakers are reviving previously vetoed clean-energy bills, including proposals to require solar canopies on large parking lots and expand offshore-wind workforce training.

EPA chief, Lee Zeldin speaking into mic
Credit: Gage Skidmore/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

‘Complete roller coaster’: EPA probationary staff returns to work

Employees said uncertainty still looms as restructuring of the agency by the Trump administration takes hold.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.