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Two Ohio Democrats Sponsor Bills To Halt Fracking
By: Associated Press
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Ohio Democrats are continuing their push for a temporary ban on a drilling technique that injects chemicals into shale to release natural gas.
State Reps. Denise Driehaus and Tracy Maxwell Heard will sponsor a bill that would halt the practice, referred to as fracking, until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency completes a study of potential hazards.
Another House bill would require public reporting of chemical use and disposal in the process.
Both measures mirror legislation already introduced in the Senate.
Ohio would join New Jersey and some New York municipalities if it imposes a ban over the fuel-rich Marcellus shale that lies beneath parts of several states.
Calls for drilling bans in West Virginia and Michigan have been unsuccessful.
Ohio Republicans controlling both legislative chambers have approved bills expanding drilling opportunities.