COLUMBUS, Ohio — State officials have approved the leasing of more than 8,700 acres of public land to oil and gas companies for hydraulic fracturing, a move that has ignited strong backlash from environmental advocates and local residents. The newly opened parcels include parts of Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County and the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area in Belmont County—two of Ohio’s most visited outdoor destinations.
The vote by the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission came late last week after months of public hearings and written feedback that ran overwhelmingly against the proposal. According to state records, nearly all of the thousands of public comments submitted opposed expanding fracking operations on public lands, citing air and water contamination risks, threats to wildlife habitats, and potential harm to tourism-based economies.
Environmental groups have condemned the decision as a disregard for public opinion and environmental stewardship. “This is a betrayal of Ohioans who spoke out clearly to protect their state parks and wildlife areas,” said Emily Jeffries, a policy director with the Ohio Environmental Council. “Fracking in these areas will have long-term consequences that can’t easily be undone.”
State officials and industry representatives defended the decision, arguing that oil and gas development can coexist with conservation efforts and provide much-needed revenue to local communities. They pointed to the financial benefits of lease bonuses, royalties, and job creation as justification for the expansion.
“Responsible energy development on state lands helps strengthen Ohio’s economy while supporting energy independence,” said a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. “We have robust environmental safeguards in place to ensure that operations meet state and federal standards.”
Opponents, however, have questioned those assurances, noting past incidents of spills and methane leaks near other fracking sites in eastern Ohio. Several environmental coalitions have indicated plans to challenge the leases through legal action, arguing that the commission violated its duty to consider environmental and social impacts before approving drilling.
Salt Fork and Egypt Valley together draw tens of thousands of visitors annually for camping, hunting, boating, and wildlife viewing. Local business owners say expanded drilling could change that. “Tourism keeps our small towns alive,” said Chris Hanley, who operates a cabin rental business near Salt Fork. “If people start associating these places with oil rigs instead of nature, we’ll lose what makes them special.”
Leases could be finalized later this year, with exploratory work possibly beginning in 2027 pending permit approvals.
As the debate continues, residents and advocacy groups say they plan to keep pressure on state leaders to reverse the decision—or at least strengthen environmental protections before drilling begins.