In Ohio, solar is no big threat to farmland
Golf courses use nearly triple the farmland solar does statewide, and suburban sprawl five times more, according to a new SEIA land-use map.
Environment
Ohio has made $314 million by opening state lands to fracking
Signing bonuses and early royalty payments signal Ohio’s decision to open state parks and wildlife areas to fracking means big money for the state. Environmentalists say it’s not worth the tradeoff.
New Ohio bill could hamstring big wind and solar farms even more
Senate Bill 294, backed by fossil fuel groups, would require solar and wind projects to prove 50% reliability, a standard solar advocates say is unachievable and would block projects the state already favors less than gas and nuclear.
As Trump buyouts shake offshore wind industry, states hope developers stay in the game
Trump's $2.5 billion in buyout deals to kill offshore wind projects threaten state climate goals, prompting seven states to sue over what they call illegal lease cancellations.
More than 15,000 acres of Ohio public land approved to be fracked by out-of-state companies
Gov. DeWine just signed a bill to speed up fracking approvals on state parks, as the commission approved $241 million in bids from Texas and Oklahoma companies.
More on Environment
Ohio officials to vote on opening 23,000 acres of public lands to fracking
State officials are scheduled to vote Monday to open or select a winning bid on about 23,000 acres of publicly owned wildlife preserves. This would significantly expand oil and gas exploration on Ohio’s public lands.
US Supreme Court hands win to Monsanto in case related to claims Roundup causes cancer
The court ruled that federal pesticide law bars state lawsuits over cancer warnings, overturning a Missouri jury's $1.25 million verdict for a Roundup user.
Seneca County judge dismisses 3 counts against Board of Health in WIN Waste lawsuit
WIN Waste called the dismissal ironic, arguing it pays millions in fees for oversight while the health district manufactures violations that do not exist.
Federal funding coming to Ohio for abandoned mine cleanup, but at reduced rate
Ohio loses nearly $3 million per year under congressional cuts, dropping its 15-year total from $696 million to $664 million for abandoned coal mine reclamation.
Federal appeals court denies youth climate lawsuit against Trump executive orders
The Ninth Circuit ruled the 22 young plaintiffs lacked standing to challenge the orders, saying the scope was too broad for courts to oversee.
Data center opponents give Ohio lawmakers an earful
Residents demanded a data center moratorium, citing water contamination risks, secrecy through NDAs, and inadequate state oversight during the committee's only public hearing.
Ohio economists: Water-quality bonds good for public health, uncertain about other benefits
Gov. DeWine is pushing to put H2Ohio water-quality bonds on Ohio's November ballot after Republicans cut the program's budget by roughly 40%. A Scioto Analysis survey found economists largely agree the bonds would lower water treatment costs but are divided on broader economic benefits.
Frankart pressed health director on Seneca Poultry probe, then couldn't name who oversees it
A health district timeline shows Commissioner Bill Frankart called Health Commissioner Julie Richards about her Seneca Poultry inquiry. Months later, he incorrectly told voters the facility was locally monitored — a claim the Seneca Conservation District publicly corrected.
States sue Trump administration over toxic air rule rollback
A coalition of 21 states and local governments has filed suit challenging the Trump administration's repeal of federal limits on mercury, arsenic, and other toxic air pollutants from coal and oil power plants.
More than 8,500 acres of Ohio’s public land approved for fracking
Ohio's Oil and Gas Land Management Commission approved fracking leases on more than 8,500 acres across Egypt Valley Wildlife Area and Salt Fork State Park during a meeting that lasted less than 20 minutes, drawing protests and condemnation from conservation advocates.
PFAS are turning up in the Great Lakes, putting fish and water supplies at risk
PFAS “forever chemicals” are contaminating the Great Lakes through rivers, groundwater and rain, posing risks to drinking water, fish and public health while highlighting the need for prevention and stronger oversight.
Climate, health groups challenge EPA repeal of major greenhouse gas regulation
Public health and environmental groups are challenging the Trump administration’s repeal of the EPA’s greenhouse gas endangerment finding, arguing it violates the Clean Air Act.
Why a new Seneca County chicken facility could raise local water bills
Aqua Ohio cautions that runoff from a large egg-laying operation near Tiffin could increase drinking water treatment costs, potentially impacting customer water rates.
