"Ohio's natural gas and crude oil industry is committed to responsibly developing Ohio's natural resources while protecting human health, safety and the environment. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Mineral Resources Management (DMRM), between January 2004 and March 31, 2008, there have been 3,708 wells drilled in Ohio, of which 764 were in urbanized areas. These wells have expanded Ohio’s native natural gas reserve base and yielded millions of dollars of savings for Ohio's energy consumers.

All energy forms have an environmental and a social footprint. Like all worthy enterprises, energy exploration entails risks. That's why experts design and enforce appropriate regulations. In December 2007, there was an incident in Bainbridge involving one well that was a serious event. Experts also recognize this was a rare event. Within one month of this incident, the ODNR/ DMRM developed and imposed an appropriate regulatory response. As an industry, we support these additional regulations to guard the public interest.

It is a fact that the Ohio natural gas and crude oil production industry has an excellent environmental and safety track record. We will continue to work for responsible development of Ohio's natural resources, while continuously supporting improvements in sound regulatory policy designed to protect public safety."

Rhonda L. Reda, Executive Director

Thomas E. Stewart, Executive Vice President