We usually associate oil drilling rigs with states like Texas or Oklahoma, but more and more attention is being drawn to Ohio as a source of natural fuels.

Oil and gas companies are filing leases by the thousands across Ohio with plans to tap into Marcellus shale formations in this part of the country.  Prospectors believe there's plenty of natural gas and oil beneath the surface in Ohio and Pennsylvania. 

Robert Briggs, retiring president of the GAR Foundation, was asked during a recent Akron Roundtable luncheon, if he thinks it will have a big impact in the Akron region.

"Some of the less thriving communities in the eastern and northeastern part of our state are going to become boom towns," said Briggs.  "You have no idea of the magnitude of this."

Briggs believes oil and gas exploration will have an impact that's bigger than rubber, steel and trucking combined.

Briggs is calling on elected officials to levy a "modest tax" on proceeds that is saved in a rainy day fund. 

Previous coverage:  Stark County Sees Oil Rush