Sky News, the UK’s first dedicated 24-hour news channel, recently posted a story about shale gas in Ohio.

The writer, Gary Mitchell, visits several farmers in Carroll County, Ohio. One farmer, Keith Burgett, said when he received the windfall for leasing his property to Chesapeake Oil was “like winning the lottery.”

Mitchell continues to describe the economic impact on Ohio’s farmers.

Read it:

“Oil and gas exploration firms have leased parts of farmers’ properties, handing over upfront payments of hundreds of thousands of dollars with the possibility of more in royalty cheques as fuel is pumped out.

Some property owners now expect to rake in millions in royalties as more wells are pumped – but only if the government does not intervene with more regulations.”

Though it’s good news for farmers, many are worried that the government could dampen the industry’s success. Farm Jim Long is worried that President Obama has an agenda to slow down wells with more federal regulations.

Mitchell’s article is a stark reminder that during election season everything becomes politicized.
» Via: Sky News › ‘Lottery Win’ Gas Boom Farmers Fear Obama