The Nature Conservancy Disapproves of Ohio House Bill 507 Passage
Governor DeWine passes House Bill 507, mandating natural gas development on public lands.
Today, Governor DeWine signed House Bill 507, which ambiguously characterizes natural gas as “clean energy” and requires public lands be opened for natural gas development.
The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Bill Stanley, Ohio State Director for The Nature Conservancy:
"The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is not supportive of the final passage and signing of House Bill 507, which was introduced and passed without the opportunity for public testimony. It requires public lands to be leased for oil and gas development and adds natural gas to the definition of 'green energy.' These actions move us further from a zero carbon future and policies that are needed to seriously address the climate crisis.
"In addition, this action continues a dangerous precedent set by the General Assembly of passing bills that put the clean energies being sought by the next generation at a disadvantage and puts Ohio on a path that leaves us unprepared for the future. TNC recognizes that Ohio needs reliable and diverse forms of energy to increase our energy security, support our economy and communities and protect the environment, and this bill is in stark contrast with those goals.
"TNC is committed to advancing policy initiatives that lead to healthy, resilient natural areas and a better quality of life for everyone. That includes the responsible and ethical buildout of renewable energy to diversify our energy mix and reduce carbon emissions. Yet while our nation is passing historic climate legislation through the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act, Ohio is keen on passing legislation that fortifies our reliance on fossil fuels.”
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in more than 70 countries and territories, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.
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