Loading....
In December 2022 and early January 2023, Ohioans sent nearly 300 individual messages to House Speaker Cupp and 564 emails to Governor DeWine urging them to stop the oil and gas gifts hidden within House Bill 507. Unfortunately, the legislature passed and Governor DeWine signed HB 507. The bill was one of the last bills signed by the Governor, a signal that our public pressure caused some concern for the administration. The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund will continue to work to protect our parks from the natural gas drilling introduced through this bill, and we are grateful to have your continued support as we do.
HB 507 is one of two bills still on Governor DeWine’s desk. This bill is an unconstitutional and cynical power grab by fossil fuel interests that would give polluters control over what public lands in Ohio are leased and when. Join our effort to #ProtectOurParks and take urgent action below to help STOP this major Oil and Gas Industry power grab.
This legislation, originally focused on poultry sales, now features two amendments that significantly overreach the intended scope of the original legislation, and serve as significant giveaways to fossil fuel interests at the expense of everyday Ohioans. These amendments were added in at the last minute, with no opportunity for significant public discussion. The first amendment would redefine natural gas as “green energy.” The second amendment would give the oil and gas industry control over what state parks and public lands are leased and when. Our state public lands have been threatened by fracking interests for more than a decade, but never as much as they are now.
Together, we can make our voices heard to protect Ohio’s vibrant public lands and keep them whole for current and future generations. Will tell Governor DeWine to VETO House Bill 507 and #ProtectOurParks?