Amid national and international news calling for an increase in U.S. production, transport, and export of
natural gas expressed recently through AP stories on the Sentinel-Tribune’s Financial page, something
happened in Eastern Ohio that ordinarily would be of small concern to folks living in NW Ohio. However,
in light of these articles, it serves as warning bell to Ohioans everywhere.
The bell rang clearly on March 10 when 4 earthquakes rocked an area of Mahoning County, Ohio (ranging in
magnitude from 2.2-3.0) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) called for a halt to all
natural gas fracking operations in that area. ODNR, the governmental agency that regulates, permits, and
collects production revenue from fracking, took this action because the epicenters of the quakes were
close to 12 horizontal fracking laterals.
ODNR’s decision holds huge significance because it means that fracking activity might be causing
earthquakes. And if that is the case, then industry and government shouldn’t be allowed to force it upon
citizens who don’t want it in their backyards.
One of the articles suggested that the U.S. might increase its exports of natural gas. But if this were
to happen, then most of the exported natural gas would go to the highest bidder -not just to help the
Ukraine – but to countries like Japan and China, as well. With Ohio’s John Boehner leading the NG export
charge, can there be any doubt that Ohio will be asked to step-up its production of natural gas?
If the Ukraine needs energy then why don’t we help them achieve true energy security by transferring our
technology and helping them build wind turbines and solar arrays, instead? Why would we perpetuate their
dependence upon the price volatility and supply instability of more foreign gas unless it is for our
profit?
And should Ohioans be increasingly forced to accept the threat of backyard earthquakes for
industry/government profit?
Maybe those earthquakes were just a few far-flung, moderate-sized disturbances, but nevertheless, they
were an alarm bell and their aftershocks may be felt as far away as the Ukraine.
Leslie Harper
Grand Rapids