As Introduced

129th General Assembly
Regular Session
2011-2012
H. B. No. 345


Representatives Driehaus, Heard 

Cosponsors: Representatives Antonio, Fedor, Foley, Reece, Pillich 

A BILL
Establishes a moratorium on horizontal stimulation of oil and gas wells until the United States Environmental Protection Agency publishes a report containing the results of a study of the relationship of hydraulic fracturing to drinking water resources and the Chief of the Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management issues a report analyzing how Ohio's rules address issues raised in the USEPA report.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1.  (A) As used in this section, "well" and "stimulation of a well" have the same meanings as in section 1509.01 of the Revised Code.
(B) Beginning on the effective date of this act, horizontal stimulation of a well shall not occur in this state until both of the following have occurred:
(1) The United States Environmental Protection Agency publishes a report that contains a study of the relationship of hydraulic fracturing to drinking water resources.
(2) The Chief of the Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management has prepared and delivered a report to each member of the General Assembly that analyzes how rules adopted by the Chief under Chapter 1509. of the Revised Code address the issues analyzed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in the report referenced in division (B)(1) of this section.