COLUMBUS – As part of House Bill 1 – the state budget bill for fiscal years 2010-2011 — State Senator Keith Faber (R-Celina) has offered an amendment to provide a new revenue stream to support capital projects in state parks by granting the Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) exclusive authority to enter into leases for the drilling for oil or gas on all land owned by the state and administered by a state agency.
“Drilling technology has come a long way and can be done safely and unobtrusively,” Faber said. “This proposal provides a new and stable revenue source for our state parks that doesn’t burden taxpayers and will increase domestic fuel production.”
Faber’s proposal would ensure that the funds generated from the sale of leases are used exclusively for the state park system. It also ensures that drilling cannot interfere with the scenic, aesthetic and environmental quality of the land, and charges the ODNR Director with adopting rules, conditions and standards to ensure the state meets that charge.
“This program will serve to enhance, not hurt, the quality of our state parks system,” Faber said.
Faber’s proposal is expected to be included when senators take up the state budget on Wednesday. He sponsored a similar bill last General Assembly.
