According to the Columbus Dispatch, Ohio is making it rather painless for Utica shale developers to operate within the state.

It takes 14 days to obtain a drilling permit in Ohio, to drill on federal land the process can take more than 300 days.

What’s making it easy for drillers? The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has exclusive authority over drilling, cutting out any time spent debating the issue with local governments.

ODNR says they’re confident that they provide ‘tough but fair regulations.’

In Pennsylvania, for example, a permit must be approved by local governments, as well.

Good or bad?

Is Ohio’s speedy permitting process a good or bad thing? Well, that depends on who you ask.

Read it:

“Several legislative Democrats have proposed measures that would place restrictions on drilling and the disposal of waste products from drilling, plans that have not moved forward.

“The industry should be very happy because (state regulators) work for the benefit of the industry and do not look for the protection of the employees on-site, the protection of drinking water and the degradation of the environment in general,” said Sen. Michael Skindell, D-Lakewood.”

Make sure to read the entire article at the Columbus Dispatch.

» Via: The Columbus Dispatch › Drillers: Ohio easy place to do business in