Ohio legislators introduce PERSERV Act to ban fracking in state parks

The Ohio Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee meeting on March 25, 2025, spotlighted the PERSERV Act, a proposed legislation aimed at banning the controversial practice of horizontal chemical extraction of oil and gas beneath Ohio's state parks and public lands. Advocates argue that this bill is crucial for protecting the environment and public health, following a series of alarming incidents linked to fracking operations.

The meeting highlighted a recent explosion at a hydraulic fracturing site near Salt Fork State Park, which prompted emergency evacuations and raised concerns about the safety of fracking near recreational areas. Melinda Zupper, a spokesperson for Save Ohio Parks, emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing a staggering 1,400 incidents related to oil and gas operations in Ohio over the past five years—an average of one every 1.5 days. Zupper warned that it is not a question of if a disaster will occur, but when, particularly in areas close to wildlife and public lands.

The PERSERV Act aims to safeguard biodiversity and recreational opportunities while supporting local economies reliant on tourism. Zupper pointed out that fracking poses serious health risks, including cancer and neurological disorders, particularly for vulnerable populations living near extraction sites. A 2016 study indicated that fracking operations are often located near schools, nursing homes, and hospitals, exacerbating health risks for those communities.

The committee's discussions underscored the need for proactive measures to protect Ohio's natural resources and public health, especially in light of recent federal cuts to the National Park Service, which threaten the maintenance and oversight of parks across the country. As the committee continues to deliberate on the PERSERV Act, the implications for Ohio's environment and public safety remain a pressing concern for lawmakers and citizens alike.