H. C. R. No. 50 As Introduced

As Introduced

129th General Assembly

Regular Session

2011-2012

H. C. R. No. 50

Representative Hagan, R.

Cosponsors: Representatives Foley, Stinziano, Lundy, Yuko, Phillips, Antonio

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

To urge the Congress of the United States to request the United States Government Accountability Office to update its 1989 study and report on injection wells and drinking water contamination.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF OHIO
(THE SENATE CONCURRING):

       WHEREAS, Underground injection wells are utilized in Ohio for a variety of purposes, including the disposal of wastes derived from the hydraulic fracturing process used at oil and gas production operations; and

       WHEREAS, The disposal of wastes by means of deep well injection raises significant questions regarding the safety of the process and the impact that the injection of wastes may have on ground water sources that are used for drinking water; and

       WHEREAS, In 1989, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) conducted a study and issued a report, entitled Safeguards Are Not Preventing Contamination From Injected Oil and Gas Wastes, that addressed the regulation of injection wells used in oil and gas production operations. The study focused specifically on: (1) whether evidence existed of drinking water contamination from injection wells and, if so, the causes and actions that were taken to prevent similar occurrences, and (2) the degree to which states had implemented program safeguards to protect against drinking water contamination; and

       WHEREAS, The 1989 GAO report concluded that injection wells were the source of drinking water contamination in numerous circumstances. Further, the report recommended specific actions that should be undertaken by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to address contamination and potential contamination of drinking water by injection wells; and

       WHEREAS, The GAO has not conducted a follow-up study since 1989; now therefore be it

       RESOLVED, That we, the members of the 129th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, in adopting this resolution, strongly urge the Congress of the United States to request that the Government Accountability Office update its study and report examining the impact that injection wells have on drinking water supplies in our nation; and be it further

       RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit duly authenticated copies of this resolution to the Speaker and Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore and Secretary of the United States Senate, the members of the Ohio Congressional delegation, and the news media of Ohio.