Ohio’s candidates for governor in 2026 hold significantly different views regarding fracking within the state. Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton and Libertarian candidate Don Kissick both advocate for a temporary halt on specific fracking activities in Washington County, while Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy consistently expresses support for oil and gas extraction.
Dr. Acton recently proposed a three-year moratorium on issuing new permits for drilling wastewater injection wells and on the further injection of fracking wastewater in Washington County. She indicated this pause would allow the state to conduct a comprehensive investigation into how wastewater migrates. Acton stated that leaking injection wells in Washington County are reportedly causing conventional oil and gas wells to flood, leading to residents losing heat, local businesses suffering damage, and potential contamination of Marietta’s drinking water. She affirmed her commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of Ohio families over corporate interests, emphasizing that Ohioans deserve reliable heat, clean water, and community safety. Furthermore, Acton’s campaign indicated she does not support fracking beneath Ohio state parks or wildlife areas, believing Ohio can develop a robust energy plan without compromising its natural resources.
Don Kissick, the Libertarian candidate, also supports a temporary suspension of additional wastewater injection activity in Washington County for state investigation. His running mate, James Mills, conveyed via email that such an investigation should include diligent monitoring of groundwater and drinking water, clear data on migration, and accountability for operators causing contamination. Mills also commented that Washington County residents should not be forced to choose between supporting local industry and trusting their drinking water’s safety. Regarding public lands, Kissick opposes fracking in state parks, with Mills stating these lands belong to Ohioans and that short-term revenue does not outweigh preserving irreplaceable public assets. Kissick, however, supports fracking on private property, provided that property rights are respected and stringent environmental and safety standards are met.
In contrast, Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign did not respond to inquiries about fracking and fracking waste injection from the Ohio Capital Journal. However, his campaign provided comments to the New York Times concerning Acton’s proposal, with a spokesman stating Dr. Acton’s position is “hollow and can’t withstand scrutiny.” Ramaswamy has previously expressed strong support for oil and gas extraction, stating during a 2024 Presidential debate that the country should "Unlock American energy, drill, frack, burn coal, embrace nuclear." He also characterized the state’s approval to frack more than 15,000 acres of Ohio’s public land over the summer as "good news," asserting in a June 30 post on X that "Energy abundance is the foundation of a manufacturing boom in Ohio." Ramaswamy also remarked in a June 7 Facebook video that such activities are "great for nature" and allow for enjoying both natural gifts and resources.
Local concerns in Washington County have been raised by residents who fear brine waste leaking from injection wells could contaminate Marietta’s drinking water. Marietta City Council President Susan Vessels, a Republican who endorsed Acton, supported a temporary study, calling it a "bipartisan issue" and a "reasonable ask." Vessels emphasized the need for a simple rule: "don’t allow oil field waste injection near public drinking water aquifers." According to Vessels, Washington County currently has 17 permitted injection wells, with six actively operating.
The Ohio Oil and Gas Association (OOGA) president, Rob Brundrett, responded to moratorium proposals by stating that a pause is not a solution. In a statement, Brundrett asserted that "Science, facts, and sound regulation, not politics and campaign rhetoric," are essential for safe operations and a strong future for Ohio’s oil and natural gas industry. He advocated for the state’s regulatory process to function as designed while protecting conventional production and supporting infrastructure, which he said provides significant benefits to communities statewide.
Ohio law, which took effect in 2023, permits the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to lease state parks and other public lands for fracking. Since its enactment, fracking has been approved in several locations, including Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County, Egypt Valley Wildlife Area in Belmont and Guernsey counties, Jockey Hollow Wildlife Area in Harrison County, Leesville Wildlife Area in Carroll County, and Keen Wildlife Area in Harrison County. State law mandates that at least 30% of the revenue generated from these activities must be allocated to improvements within the state parks where drilling occurs.
