Dr. Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate for governor, is backing a three-year moratorium on Washington County injection wells.
Here's what to know
Speaking at a news conference in Marietta, Acton said Ohio should put activity on hold while officials determine whether brine from disposal wells is moving underground, according to WTAP.
"Today, I am telling you that I am committing to a moratorium on wells in this county, in Washington County," she said.
Four local wells have already suspended operations after the Ohio Department of Natural Resources raised concerns that brine might be moving underground.
WTAP reported that people in the Belpre area were warned they could lose gas service or end up with unreliable service. The station also reported that local oil and gas producers say brine migration has damaged dozens of the county's conventional oil and gas wells.
WTAP reported that fracking wastewater is radioactive and contains PFAS chemicals, commonly called "forever chemicals." Residents, local officials, and scientists worry that contamination could threaten aquifers relied on by thousands for drinking water.
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More background
Jessica Archer, a member of Washington County for Safe Drinking Water, said eight local water authorities and the Marietta City Council have signed onto the idea, with council support coming unanimously.
Archer said, "Eight local water authorities signed the moratorium, along with our city council — unanimously with our city council — so, we have a lot of support at the local level, but we haven't had support from our state representatives and from our governor, and that's who we really need on board to put this moratorium in place and protect our drinking water. So hearing someone that is running for governor supporting the moratorium is just incredibly heartwarming, and it makes me feel like she really cares about this community."
Marietta City Council President Susan Vessels, a Republican, endorsed Acton and said her team had taken time to study the county's concerns.
What's being done?
Acton is also calling for a wider state investigation into how brine migration may be affecting Washington County.
WTAP said it asked Acton's opponent in the governor's race, Vivek Ramaswamy, about the issue. Campaign spokesperson Evan Machan responded, "Vivek believes that we should address this issue on the debate stage, yet Amy Acton refuses to show up because she knows her position is hollow and can't withstand scrutiny." No further clarification of Ramaswamy's stance was provided.
"This is vitally, vitally important that we act now. And I'm calling on my colleagues in the State House. I'm calling on everyone to look deeply and do the right thing. As we enter this fall and this heating season in the winter, we must act to protect our resources and our drinking water. We must protect the next generation," Acton said.
Where can I learn more?
For more on how drilling and fracking fights are playing out in Ohio and other states, these stories offer further insight.
• In Belmont County, residents made an emotional plea as drilling expanded nearby.
• Ohio approved fracking in state parks despite a fraud investigation and fierce backlash.
• California moved toward phasing out fracking permits as officials tightened oil policy statewide.
• In Utah, voter concerns over environmental policies and extraction reshaped the political debate.
• Colorado environmentalists fought revisions favoring oil drilling as community approval rules weakened.
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