Here’s this week’s top shale gas stories:

( 1 ) Utica Shale Permit Update for June

Ohio’s Carroll County is still ground zero for the state’s Utica shale development. A total of 24 permits were issued in the county during the month of June, more than any other county in Ohio.

Additionally, as of June 28, there were 32 operating drilling rigs in the state, 756 permits were issued and 374 wells were drilled.

» Via: The Shale Gas Reporter › Utica Shale Update: Carroll County Remains Popular with Drillers

( 2 ) Natural Gas Electricity Plant Coming to Carroll County

Carroll County may be getting a new power plant, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. Carroll County Energy LLC unveiled the company’s plans for a $800 million electric power plant.

The plant will use natural gas as its primary source of power.

» Via: The Akorn Beacon Journal › Company plans to burn natural gas for electricity at $800 million plant in Carroll County

( 3 ) Rising Rents Up for Debate

It’s been assumed that the influx of workers in the Utica and Marcellus shale region would increase rent prices and housing costs. But, the evidence isn’t 100 percent solid, according to Columbus Business First.

According to the article, one researcher admits that housing costs in Pennsylvania’s shale counties didn’t increase any faster than costs in the rest of the state, though there were isolated instances of rent doubling or tripling in price.

» Via: Columbus Business First › Housing shortfall, rising rents in Ohio’s Utica shale country up for debate

( 4 ) Ohio’s Amish and Fracking

Amish families in Ohio and Pennsylvania have to choose between allowing drilling on their land, reaping large cash royalties, or staying true to their way of life, reports the Associated Press.

One concern, according to the report, is that gas royalties could create large income disparities between members of the same Amish community. Another, more practical matter, is the increase of traffic on the roads frequently traveled by Amish horse and buggy carts.

» Via: The Akron Beacon Journal › Ohio Amish weigh tradition and temptation in debate over fracking