FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 29, 2026
Ohio Department of Natural Resources Seeks Public Comments on Proposed “No Change” Rules to Oil and Gas Administrative Code
COLUMBUS, Ohio – On July 20th, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) opened a public comment period on nine rules the Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management (Division) is submitting for “no change” to the Common Sense Initiative (CSI).
These filings are a part of the review that state law requires every five years. The rules address general well provisions, permits, simultaneous operations, prevention of contamination and pollution, and safety regulations. Buckeye Environmental Network (BEN) is calling on ODNR to extend its public comment period. ODNR’s proposal to leave all nine rules unchanged fails to consider contemporary science or current conditions.
“Right now in Ohio, we are experiencing rapid oil and gas development, largely to meet the voracious energy demands of data centers. Already, Ohioans are dealing with numerous environmental and health impacts due to weak regulation and poor enforcement. ODNR must take a hard look at its oil and gas rules and make necessary changes to protect the environment and public health. Public input is crucial to this process, and a two-week comment period that has only been publicized via the Ohio Register is wildly inadequate,” said BEN Executive Director Becca Pollard.
According to the CSI Business Impact Analysis, the Division “seeks to develop reasonable standards for the regulated industry to operate within, that provide clarity and certainty to the regulated community, while also protecting public health and safety and the State’s natural resources.”
Although the Division’s primary measures of success include the avoidance of incidents, BEN has called attention to numerous incidents posing threats to the environment and public health and safety. These incidents illustrate a clear need for stronger rules and enforcement.
Members of the public should submit comments via email to DOGRM.Rules@dnr.ohio.gov and CSIPublicComments@governor.ohio.gov.
BEN recommends Ohioans demand an extension to the comment period to give more people the opportunity to respond, share any specific concerns and suggested changes regarding ODNR oil and gas rules, and tell ODNR that “no change” is unacceptable.
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ABOUT BUCKEYE ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK
Buckeye Environmental Network (BEN) is a non-profit committed to empowering grassroots organizations, individuals, and local communities to advocate for environmental justice. Through community action and ecological protection, we seek fundamental changes that improve our relationships with each other and the land.
Contact Information
Becca Pollard
Executive Director
Buckeye Environmental Network
info@benohio.org