More than 15,000 acres of Ohio public land approved to be fracked by out-of-state companies

The Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission approved 21 bids to frack over 15,000 acres of public land, including areas in Egypt Valley Wildlife Area and Jockey Hollow Wildlife Area. Out-of-state companies like Gulfport Appalachia, Ascent Resources, and Grenadier Energy III secured bids with financial incentives tied to production. The decision follows Ohio law requiring the selection of the 'highest and best bid' for public land.