Ohio's Controversial Decision: Opening State Parks to Oil and Gas Drilling

The newly formed Oil and Gas Land Management Commission in Ohio is set to decide on Monday whether to open two state parks and two protected wildlife areas to oil and gas drilling. The commission will discuss and potentially take action on 10 applications to allow drilling in these areas. The decision would only establish that mineral rights are available for bidding, with the identity of the winning bidder remaining undisclosed until later. The move has sparked controversy, with concerns raised about the potential environmental impact and the authenticity of public comments supporting the leasing process. Environmental activists and organizations have been campaigning against the drilling, while the gas industry is eager for the opportunity.