Ohio State Parks Are Under Threat: Why Fracking Must Be Stopped

By Susan Busch

Most Ohioans aren’t aware that our Republican legislature opened our state parks and wildlife areas for fracking in 2023. Why would they allow this when Ohioans love their state parks and are against fracking them? Matt Huffman, current speaker of the House was quoted in 2023 as telling the Ohio Legislature, “We can do anything we want”. The implication is that it doesn’t matter what Ohio citizens want.

Ohio’s state parks are a sanctuary for millions—places where families, hikers, and nature lovers find peace and beauty. Fracking our parks puts at risk not only our environment and health, but also Ohio’s economy and future generations. Ohio’s state parks belong to the people of Ohio.

Last Monday I drove to Columbus with other members of Third Act Ohio to testify about the dangers of fracking in our state parks. This was the first time the Ohio Oil and Gas Commission had allowed a hearing about fracking in our state parks. The purpose of the hearing was to answer the question about increasing the fracking lease time from three to five years as a favor to the oil companies. The people testifying took advantage of the opportunity to address the threat of fracking in our state parks in general. No one suggested it would be a good idea to increase the length of the lease time. The information below slightly summarizes the passionate testimonies.

The testimonies further convinced me of the horrors of fracking our state parks. I naively expected the members of the Ohio Oil and Gas Commission to also be convinced. After the hearing ended, they held a short recess and when they returned, they approved 11 more tracts of Ohio state parks and wildlife areas for fracking bids.

Ohio: The Only State Sacrificing Its Parks

No other state in America allows fracking in its state parks. Ohio stands alone, risking its natural heritage for the benefit of oil and gas companies, while disregarding the wishes of its own citizens.

The Cost to Our Parks and Wildlife

Fracking is not just an eyesore—it’s an assault on the very purpose of our parks. The constant noise, glaring lights, and heavy truck traffic shatter the tranquility that draws millions to these green spaces. Our parks were set aside to protect nature and provide joy for all Ohioans. Allowing fracking is a betrayal of public trust and a grave injustice to future generations.

Water and Habitat: Irreversible Damage

• Water Use: Between 2010 and 2019, fracking in Ohio withdrew over 27 billion gallons of water at 643 locations. Each well can destroy up to 4 million gallons of fresh water, which is then contaminated with toxins and radioactive compounds. [pubs.usgs.gov]
• Contamination: Since 2019, at least seven injection wells have leaked underground, flooding dozens of oil wells with brine and threatening aquifers that supply drinking water to thousands. In Harrison County, 3,000 residents have faced undrinkable water due to suspected contamination. [benohio.org] [ohiocapita…ournal.com]
• Wildlife: Fracking threatens endangered species like the Indiana bat and eastern hellbender salamander and destroys critical habitats. [prnewswire.com]

Health Risks: Protecting Our Families

• Air Pollution: Fracking releases benzene, methane, and other pollutants linked to asthma, respiratory diseases, and rare childhood cancers.
• Radon: Studies suggest fracking may increase radon levels in nearby homes, raising the risk of lung cancer, leukemia, and strokes. [dispatch.com]
• Incidents: From 2015 to 2023, Ohio averaged 250 reported oil and gas accidents per year—one every 1.5 days. [rivernews.org]

Climate Change: Ohio’s Global Impact

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and fracking wells are major sources. In 2018, a single fracking blowout in Belmont County released more methane in 20 days than some entire European countries emit in a year. Ohio’s parks should be part of the climate solution—not adding to the problem.

• Greenhouse Gases: Low-producing wells account for about half of Ohio’s methane emissions, contributing significantly to climate change.

Economic Reality: Parks Are Worth More Than Oil

• Tourism Revenue: Ohio’s state parks generate $392 million annually from overnight visitors alone—over $1 million every day—supporting local businesses and communities. [ohiodnr.gov]
• Outdoor Recreation: Wildlife-related activities generated $12.5 billion in economic activity in 2022, supporting 80,000 jobs and contributing $6.7 billion to Ohio’s GDP. [ohiodnr.gov]
• Fracking Revenue: While companies pay signing bonuses and royalties, these are unreliable and subject to boom-and-bust cycles. In contrast, economists unanimously agree that public spending on state parks is an efficient investment in recreation, environmental quality, and health. [sciotoanalysis.com]

The most fracked counties in Ohio are losing jobs and population, with economic benefits leaving the state.

Democracy Denied: Who Benefits?

The process of opening parks to fracking has favored out-of-state corporations and undermined public trust. The $30 million in fracking revenue originally slated for park improvements was redirected to cover operating expenses, raising concerns about long-term funding and stewardship. [wtol.com]

Take Action Now

Ohio’s state parks belong to all of us. Their protection is not just an environmental issue—it’s a moral imperative. If you care about the future of our parks, our water, our health, and our democracy, now is the time to act. Join the movement and learn more at https://saveohioparks.org/.

Ohio’s state parks are at a crossroads. Will we allow them to be sacrificed for short-term profit, or will we stand together to defend our natural heritage for generations to come? The choice—and the responsibility—is ours.

This is a crosspost from Susan Ellison Busch’s Blog posted January 17, 2026.