OH Gov Kasich’s Top Priority for 2012: Shale Gas

In a year-end “media gathering” with Ohio Gov. John Kasich, the governor recounted his administration’s accomplishments for his first 12 months in office, and then he turned his sights on 2012. At the top of his agenda for next year? Drilling in the Marcellus and Utica Shales.

Development of Ohio’s natural gas resources in the Utica and Marcellus shale plays will remain front and center, with the administration working on drilling regulations and fine-tuning how much oil and gas companies will be taxed by the state.

“We want tough and clear regulations,” Kasich said. “We don’t want a bunch of yahoos coming into Ohio and damaging the environment.”

He also said he wants to make sure the state’s tax structure strikes a balance between helping communities and the state reap some of the rewards of shale gas development while encouraging oil and gas companies to invest in the state.

“It’s like porridge – not too hot, not too cold, but just right,” the governor said of the approach the state must take on the regulatory and tax issues.*

*Columbus Business First (Dec 19, 2011) – Kasich 2012 outlook: No drilling yahoos, no income tax cut either