Chief of Ohio Department of Natural Resources Testifies In Support of State Control of Hydraulic Fracturing

The House Natural Resources Committee recently heard testimony from representatives of Ohio, Texas and Utah on the necessity of federal regulation of hydraulic fracturing.  Richard Simmons, Chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, testified that Ohio is capable of regulating oil and gas production within its boundaries, and has been doing so effectively.  He cited two recent examples of the department’s rapid response to illegal dumping and to earthquakes related to brine injection wells.  Simmons believes that state regulation is more effective, efficient and economical than federal regulation.  Representatives of various interest groups also testified in favor of strict federal regulation.