Governor John Kasich (R-Ohio) was at Akron's Echogen Power Systems LLC today to sign a new policy that makes changes to Ohio's energy and natural resource laws as well as other related programs.
Governor Kasich said that by signing Senate Bill 315, Ohio would have a comprehensive policy that would support low cost energy sources and meet job creation needs.
Elected officials, and others came to Echogen to witness the signing at the Akron-based company that uses waste heat to generate electricity.
Governor Kasich says this was a victory for both proponents of efficient energy strategies and those who seek job growth in the Buckeye State.
"This bill creates an independent energy policy for Ohio that becomes a model, frankly a role model for the rest of the country," Kasich said.
"It is also is important because it contributes to economic development."
With the signing of Senate Bill 315, tougher regulations are now in place for the exploration of natural gas in deep shale rock formations. Also the new law builds on the recently approved well construction standards, which protects groundwater and the environment.
What's most important is bill establishing regulations on hydraulic fracking process. "We have contained in this bill the most aggressive, clearest, fairest, and strongest fracking regulations in the country,"Kasich said.
The Governor says this will help the growing energy industry as well as protect the environment.
"You don't sacrifice job growth for the environment , and you don't do out of line environmental concerns to shut down employment, so it's a balance," Kasich explained.
"We should be really proud of today," the Governor said.
"We worked on this together and maybe we'll get the attention of some people in Washington who would be able to do the right things down there to make America an independent energy source and an independent energy operator that will contribute to a stronger economy."
In addition, two other bills were signed into law, including a midterm budget bill and another law regulating some new rules for casinos, bingo halls and other video lottery terminals that will be coming to Ohio's seven
horse racetracks.
That legislation would give extra money to certain cities with horse racetracks and places filing requirements on Internet cafes.
