Proposed Ohio Legislation Would Stiffen Penalties for Illegal Dumping of Wastes
Tags: Ohio, Utica Shale
The Ohio House and Senate introduced legislation this week to impose tougher penalties for illegal dumping of oil and gas drilling wastes. If passed, the legislation will elevate illegal dumping to a felony and impose a minimum prison term of three years and a $10,000 fine. In addition, the legislation would revoke current permits and deny any future permits to individuals and companies convicted of illegal dumping.
A spokesperson for the Ohio Oil and Gas Association opposes the legislation and describes it as the “death penalty” for waste disposal operators.