COLUMBUS (AP) - Rules regulating oil and gas well construction, water handling, and the disclosure of chemicals used in drilling cleared their final legislative hurdles today before heading to Gov. John Kasich.
The Ohio Senate by a 21-8 vote approved the new regulations governing hydraulic fracturing in the Utica and Marcellus shale formations running under sections of the state. The House earlier approved the changes.
They are part of a wide-ranging energy bill that also addresses Ohio's clean energy standard and makes dozens of other changes.
The votes send the bill to Kasich, who is expected to sign it.
Some environmental groups turned against the bill Wednesday after a provision was added limiting who can sue energy companies for chemical trade secrets.