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State Representative Jim Buchy
Hydraulic
Fracturing—A Safe and Reliable Source of Energy Leading Ohio’s Comeback
Hydraulic fracturing is the safest way to extract minerals from below
the earth’s surface. The opportunities provided by the exploration of
oil and natural gas in eastern Ohio will have a major impact on the
economic sector in that part of the state. The continued use of
the hydraulic fracturing process in eastern Ohio also helps
western Ohio by providing more consumers for our agricultural products
in addition to the lower prices of natural gas in this part of the
state.
A lot of misinformation and innuendo has been used to stir up concern
in the public regarding hydraulic fracturing. I became a public
supporter of this process in 2011 when I voted for legislation that
would make oil and gas more accessible in Ohio and I then followed that
with a vote in favor of more stringent regulation over the
process. As a result the industry has a track record of safety in
Ohio, and the U.S. EPA considers our regulations some of the most
stringent in the nation.
When I hear about concerns of human safety in any Ohio industry I take
interest and research the issue. In this case I have been meeting
with experts from around the state to learn more about the
industry. One concern raised in our area is the possibility of
Class II injection wells in western Ohio to dispose of used
brine. Brine is a water- based product that includes lubricants
and salt to help the process of pressurizing oil and gas wells.
Chemicals involved in this process are natural and best disposed of
through injection wells which extend thousands of feet below the
water table to put the salt water based brine back into an area of the
earth with a very similar chemical make up.
There are no plans to place Class II injection wells in western Ohio
and geologists say the probability of this ever being the case is very
low. However, in eastern Ohio, where injection wells are placed,
the material is distributed far beneath the earth with several layers
of impermeable rock establishing a several thousand foot barrier
between materials and the water table. The wells are also lined
to prevent any possible contamination of water. There has never
been an instance of water contamination related to this process because
of the safety measures in place.
The hydraulic fracturing process in Ohio is creating an economic boon
in eastern Ohio. Many unemployed people have achieved employment
either directly or indirectly because of the industry. In western
Ohio, our natural gas prices are trending lower and our agricultural
products have an expanded market very close to our area.
There are two things that make a business successful: dependable labor
and access to low- cost and reliable energy. In western Ohio we
have some of the most hardworking people. Expanding access to
natural gas in this state will attract investors and bring more
employers to our region. It is all part of Ohio’s path to
economic prosperity.
I am interested to hearing your thoughts on this issue and others in
the news this month. Please complete an online survey at
tinyurl.com/buchydec
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