Yesterday afternoon, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources issued a moratorium on all new permits for fracking waste injection wells in Ohio; an announcement in a series of new regulatory measures put in place after the recent Youngstown earthquakes. This exciting news comes after last weeks rally for a statewide moratorium on all fracking permits and waste injection wells, and is a clear sign that public outrage over a lack of industry accountability has definitely gotten the attention of the ODNR and Gov. Kasich. With over 70% of Ohioans opposed to fracking until further studies can be done, the anti-fracking movement is growing, and will continue to push for a full, state-wide moratorium on all fracking and injection wells. 

The need for a strong and comprehensive moratorium is more apparent than ever: while the recent announcement by the ODNR temporarily takes 9 proposed wells 'off the table,' it lacks accountability for the 170+ currently operational wells; many of which are just as dangerous as the Youngstown well responsible for the earthquakes. In fact, other Ohio communities like Marietta in Southeast Ohio, are also experiencing unprecedented seismic activity near local brine injection wells, and a recent 'Review of violations at Ohio's fracking wastewater injection wells' revealed over 897 failed inspections, 355 of which 'were related to contamination or pollution.'

The moratorium on new injection well permits is a nice first step, but we need comprehensive legislation that addresses the dangers of fracking and wastewater injection, both of which continue to threaten our state in unprecedentedly evident ways. We've gotten the state's attention, now let's get their commitment to protect Ohio's land and people; onward!