Rep. Driehaus Calls for Hearings on Fracking Bills

COLUMBUS –State Representative Denise Driehaus (D- Cincinnati) sent a letter to Representative David Hall, Chairman of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, today requesting hearings for House Bills 345 and 351, which would place a temporary moratorium on fracking in Ohio and increase transparency within fracking processes. Over New Year’s weekend a magnitude 4.0 earthquake hit the Mahoning Valley and it is believed that the drastic increase in seismic activity is due to the activity at several injection wells in the area where fracking by-products were being disposed.

A copy of the letter can be seen below:
 
January 6, 2012
 
 
Representative David Hall
Ohio House of Representatives
77 S. High Street, 11th floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
 
Dear Chairman Hall:
 
As you are aware, the most recent in a series of Mahoning Valley earthquakes occurred a few days ago on New Year’s Eve as a result of injection well activity in that area.  This brings the total to 11 earthquakes in less than a year.  For a state like Ohio, where earthquakes are an anomaly, I’m sure you can agree this is a situation that needs to be dealt with promptly so that our citizens are protected from additional man-made quakes.
 
I recognize that the earthquakes were due to activity at several injection wells and I applaud the decision to place a moratorium on the work at these sites so that we can better understand the impacts on our constituents.  In HB 345 we are simply asking that the same consideration for a moratorium be given to horizontal fracturing.
 
Representative Heard and I introduced HB 345 on October 12, 2011.  Our bill places a moratorium on fracking while the US EPA investigates the proper regulations that are needed for this industry while ensuring a safe environment for the people of Ohio.  Representatives Antonio and Fedor have introduced HB 351 which would make the fracking process more transparent.  Both of these bills have been referred to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
 
I believe the concerns surrounding injection wells, the fracking process, and the lack of information as to what chemicals are being injected into the ground are compelling reasons to hold hearings immediately.  I respectfully request that you give House Bills 345 and 351 a hearing at the next Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee meeting.
 
These bills will allow Ohio to take the time to make appropriate and responsible decisions in order to protect our citizens and the water they drink while also increasing the transparency of fracking procedures and operations.  Many other states have not taken the necessary time to consider all the factors regarding this process and the disposal of fracking by-products and have thus faced many difficulties protecting their land, water, and citizens. 
 
Please contact me with any questions.  I look forward to working with you.
 
Sincerely,
 

 
Denise Driehaus
State Representative