As fracking at Ohio’s largest state park gets underway, how the industry has changed this rural county

Julie GrantMarch 20, 2025

Fracking has become a "daily life thing" in Guernsey County, where Salt Fork State Park is located. Activists and supporters weigh in on the changes.

ConservationEconomyEnergy

Ohio investigating well pad fire that led to evacuation of residents 

Julie GrantJanuary 3, 2025

Thursday evening, a Gulfport Energy well pad in Antrim, Ohio, exploded and burned for more than 18 hours, leading to the evacuation of residents and a road closure.

EnergyPollution

Ohio approves two more bids to drill on state-owned lands, advances five other proposals

Julie GrantMay 20, 2024

The Oil and Gas Land Management Commission will accept bids for drilling under the Keen Wildlife Area in eastern Ohio, but denied a proposal at another wildlife area.

ConservationEnergy

Ohio orders company to suspend operations at 3 drilling wastewater wells

Julie GrantMay 3, 2024

The state found waste could be migrating through fractures in the shale and that the impacts create an “imminent danger” to health and the environment. 

EnergyPollutionWater

Ohio AG wants Pa. company held in contempt for failing to clean up radioactive drilling waste

Glynis BoardMay 3, 2024

The company along the Ohio River was found to have radioactive liquids and sludge on the floor of its facility, among other "egregious" violations.

EnergyPollutionWater

Commission approves bids to frack Ohio’s largest state park and two wildlife areas

Julie GrantFebruary 26, 2024

The commission approved bids to frack under Salt Fork State Park as well as wildlife areas and other state property, while protestors yelled and held signs.

ConservationEnergy

Lawsuit claims approvals to frack Ohio state lands violated law

Julie GrantDecember 5, 2023

Environmental and hunting groups claim an Ohio commission failed to consider impacts of fracking on the environment, users of the properties and other factors required by Ohio law. 

News

Ohio approves fracking under state park and wildlife areas at contentious meeting

Julie GrantNovember 17, 2023

A crowd shouted and chanted "Save our parks!" as an Ohio commission approved fracking under the state’s largest park and two wildlife areas in the eastern part of the state.

Climate ChangeConservationEnergyWater

Ohio commission delays vote to frack state parks during raucous meeting

Julie GrantSeptember 19, 2023

The Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission approved four proposals to drill for gas and oil on some state-owned lands, but delayed action on fracking under Ohio state parks.

ConservationEnergyPolitics

Ohio AG investigating disputed public comments that urge fracking in state parks

Julie GrantSeptember 14, 2023

Dozens of Ohioans say their names were used without permission on pro-fracking letters sent to a commission considering proposals to frack under state parks.

ConservationEnergyRecreation