Bill that adds some regulations to Ohio oil & gas industry on Kasich’s desk

Here’s a quick update on the bill that supporters say creates the toughest regulatory environment for fracking in the U.S. and that detractors say does not and is riddled with loopholes.

SB 315, Gov. John Kasich’s mid-budget energy bill, cleared the final hurdle in the Ohio General Assembly yesterday when it was voted out of the House. The governor is expected to sign the bill into law.

For more background on the bill, check out the OFU notes on SB 315. Here are a few events related to the legislation from the past week:

• SB 315 passed the House 75-20 with 18 Democratic votes.
• Amendment approved in House that gives standing to landowners and neighbors in court to challenge a drilling company on disclosure of a chemical that it will not disclose as a ‘trade secret.’
• Amendment approved in House loosens the gag on doctors regarding chemicals disclosed to them by drilling companies.
• Democratic amendments that would have strengthened transparency on chemicals used in fracking and protecting landowner rights were defeated.