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Buckeye Environmental Network

@buckeyeenviro.bsky.social
209 followers 311 following 208 posts

BEN is committed to empowering grassroots organizations, individuals, and local communities to advocate for environmental justice. Learn more at benohio.org

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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
We’re collecting samples from these Ohio Counties: Licking, Coshocston and Ashtabula
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Save the date! BEN’s Annual Membership Meeting is Nov. 7 at 11am in Newark. The meeting is open to BEN members.
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Reposted by Buckeye Environmental Network
Oil and Gas Watch @oilandgaswatch.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Meeting set for Sept. 30 on pollution control plan for chemical plastics recycling plant in Akron, OH oilandgaswatch.org/alert/43ec18... @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social @beyondplastics.bsky.social
Meeting set for Sept. 30 on pollution control plan for chemical plastics recycling plant in Akron, OH

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is accepting comments until Sept. 30 on a proposed pollution control plan for Alterra Energy's chemical recycling plant in Summit County. The pollution control plan would require Alterra to install an enclosed vapor combustion unit to control the facility's emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are a precursor to ozone, as the facility is located in a county that has historically been in violation of air quality standards for ozone. The Ohio EPA is holding a public meeting at 6 p.m. on Sept. 30 at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High St., Akron, Ohio 44326.The plant processes plastic waste using pyrolysis, where plastics are melted, vaporized, and turned into a synthetic oil that is used as a raw ingredient to create brand new plastics, waxes, and other petrochemical products. The facility received a $1.6 million state loan and support from Akron in form of various discounts, including a $1 per year lease in return for a percentage of project’s cash flow.

To learn more, visit the LINK IN BIO or visit oilandgaswatch.org/alerts
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
“Radium has a half-life of 1,600 years.” Our organizer Anton Krieger spoke to Morrow County Commissioners about oil and gas waste brine containing radium being spread on Ohio roads. www.morrowcountysentinel.com/2026/09/23/c...
morrowcountysentinel.com
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Reposted by Buckeye Environmental Network
Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
To see the map we’ve made highlighting impacted areas and fill out the interest form go to linktr.ee/buckeyeenvironmentalnetwork
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
To see the map we’ve made highlighting impacted areas and fill out the interest form go to linktr.ee/buckeyeenvironmentalnetwork
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Our Forest Committee put together some resources to assist Ohioans in drafting comments on the Department of Forestry’s Annual Work Plan! Deadline to submit comments is Oct 5! docs.google.com/document/d/e...
Color photo of deciduous forest at dusk with a large diagonal tree trunk cutting across rhe left side of the image in the foreground and smaller trees descending down a slope in the background. Deep green foliage extends into the distance.
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Data center moratoriums are a growing trend across Ohio! Has your city or township passed one? ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/09/18/o...
ohiocapitaljournal.com
Ohio passes over 125 active data center moratoriums
At least 136 Ohio municipalities and townships have active moratoriums on data centers as of Sept. 16, local government records and news reports show.
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
We’re holding a virtual Letter to the Editor training this Thursday at 6 PM. Learn how to write an LTE and what can help get it published in your local paper. No writing experience needed. RSVP: bit.ly/training924
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Why is toxic brine migrating out of zone in Washington County? Why are geologists warning that drinking water is at risk? Why is ODNR relying on voluntary shutdowns? @nytimes.com is paying attention. Ohio’s leaders should too. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/17/c...
nytimes.com
Toxic Fracking Waste Becoming a Political Issue in Ohio (Gift Article)
The Democratic candidate for governor backed restrictions on disposal of fracking wastewater around a hard-hit town, and called for a “thorough investigation” of the dangers.
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Columbus residents showed up to @cbuscitycouncil.bsky.social last night and made their voices heard! www.dispatch.com/story/news/l...
dispatch.com
Data center opponents press Columbus for moratorium at public hearing
Data center critics want Columbus to enact a moratorium. A council member hopes to regulate them but admits the city’s power is limited.
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Watch the Columbus Data Center hearing here: www.youtube.com/live/cGaAtJg...
youtube.com
Columbus City Council Press Conference: Data Center Policy Package
YouTube video by City of Columbus
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
We’re tabling at the Franklin County Courthouse today for Earthshare’s Combined Charitable Campaign Kickoff! If you’re in the area, say hi and get a copy of Heartwood Network’s latest paper featuring two stories about our work!
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Columbus City Council is holding another data center policy hearing Sept. 16 at 5:30 PM. At the last hearing, 24 people testified and overwhelmingly called for a moratorium and stronger protections. Instructions to sign up are on the flyer. Planning to testify? Let us know at info@benohio.org.
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Oil and gas waste has already traveled miles underground in Washington County and ended up in wells where it was never supposed to be. Holly Kellums of MASH Focus has been doing some great local reporting on what’s happening there. Give her latest a read: medium.com/@hollykellum...
medium.com
Washington County Injection Wells: What We Know, and What MASH Focus Is Investigating Next
The state already confirmed brine left one well. Four more later went idle. The record is still incomplete.
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Worth a read from Tappan Lake resident Dr. Randi Pokladnik on Tenaska’s plans to store CO₂ underground in eastern Ohio, and what that could mean for pipeline safety and private property. www.yourohionews.com/harrison-cou...
yourohionews.com
Letter: Concerns raised over Ohio carbon dioxide pipelines
A Tappan Lake writer discusses proposed CO2 wells and pipelines in Harrison, Carroll and Jefferson counties.
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The Cool Down takes a look at what’s happening with injection wells in Washington County and why residents are concerned about their drinking water. www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/i...
thecooldown.com
Washington County, Ohio, rejects injection well moratorium amid oilfield waste fears
A proposal to pause a type of injection well used for oil drilling failed in Washington County, Ohio, but the debate made clear that fears over oilfield waste disposal and drinking water safety are no...
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Reposted by Buckeye Environmental Network
Save Ohio Parks @saveohioparks.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Join @saveohioparks.bsky.social Sept. 15 in Cincinnati for drinks, community & conversation as we fight to protect Ohio state parks from natural gas fracking. bit.ly/4xlYWtb Each donation helps us hold lawmakers accountable to keep Ohio's parks pristine. bit.ly/4xlYWtb @ccbecker271.bsky.social
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Our partner @fairshake.bsky.social is hosting a free virtual legal clinic Oct. 7 for communities working on data center issues in OH, PA, and WV. Get guidance on zoning, permits, public records, utility rates, moratoriums, and more. Register: fairshake-els.org/events
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Where has oil and gas waste brine been spread in Ohio? Our new blog post takes a closer look at what it shows, how brine spreading continues in Ohio, and what it means for communities. Explore the map and read more: benohio.org/where-has-oi...
benohio.org
Where Has Oil and Gas Waste Brine Been Spread in Ohio? Explore the Map - Buckeye Environmental Network
The disposal of toxic and radioactive oil and gas waste brine has improved dramatically over the centuries of oil and gas extraction. Before oil and gas waste disposal saw any type of regulations, it ...
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
A voluntary shutdown is not the same as a formal order. Washington County residents are calling on ODNR to issue Chief’s Suspension Orders, starting a 120-day process that could require these injection wells to be plugged, and to act on the requested three-year moratorium.
wtap.com
Washington County residents renew demands for action on injection wells after meeting with ODNR
Washington County residents are making renewed demands for action and answers on injection wells from state officials.
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Environmental Protection Network @enviroprotnet.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Fracking wastewater is bubbling up from wells near Marietta, Ohio. Jeanne Briskin explains: Underground injection pushed it to the surface, prompting 4 disposal sites to shut down. But thousands more old wells could create pathways upward, raising questions about disposal safety.
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Dr. David Jeffery recently wrote in the Ohio Capital Journal that Ohio must treat migrating radioactive fracking waste as an emergency. Our latest blog shares excerpts from his op-ed and more on the evidence and local organizing behind it benohio.org/dr-david-jef...
benohio.org
Dr. David Jeffery on What Ohio Must Do About Migrating Fracking Waste - Buckeye Environmental Network
In a recent op-ed published in Ohio Capital Journal, Marietta College petroleum geologist Dr. David L. Jeffery explains why the Washington County injection well crisis demands an emergency response. P...
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Ohio State University created this map from annual public reports showing where radioactive oil and gas waste brine is spread on local roads. Ohio legalized the practice in 1985 despite concerns from staff at ODNR and the Ohio Department of Health.
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Reposted by Buckeye Environmental Network
Athens County Independent @athensindy.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
There is a boil order in place in Nelsonville until 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28: athensindependent.com/boil-order-n...
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
The Great Lakes give millions of us clean drinking water, but plastic waste keeps piling up in them. Big plastic makers need to step up and fix this. Read the full report from the Chicago Tribune: www.chicagotribune.com/2026/08/23/g...
chicagotribune.com
As microplastics pollute every corner of the Great Lakes, scientists push governments to combat threat
Plastics just keep getting smaller, and potentially more harmful to humans, fish and wildlife. Even the most remote areas of the Great Lakes aren’t spared.
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Save Ohio Parks @saveohioparks.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Randi Pokladnik of Ohio Valley Environmental Advocates to host Aug. 29 Cadiz library talk on environmental, health dangers from data centers and CCS wells-- 10 planned for Harrison County. Your Ohio News: bit.ly/4irAjao @kmkowalski.bsky.social @maxfilby.dispatch.com @sarahedon.bsky.social
bit.ly
Public talk set on data center impacts in Harrison County
Ohio Valley Environmental Advocates will host a presentation Aug. 29 at Puskarich Public Library on data center issues.
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Help us continue our on-the -ground organizing around oil and gas waste, petrochemicals, and the data center buildout in Ohio! We can’t do it without your support! www.benohio.org/give
White text: Welcome new followers! If you appreciate what we’re doing, please consider becoming a member!

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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Home solar permits can take up to 30 days in Ohio. More than 335 towns and cities, including Athens, use SolarAPP+ to issue them right away. Join Third Act Ohio on Zoom Sept. 9 from 1–2 p.m. to learn how to bring it to your town. thirdact.org/ohio/events/...
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
People in Marietta want Ohio to keep fracking wastewater injection wells away from their drinking water. “The science is on our side, and we are willing to fight for a future that includes clean water.” Read Susan Vessels’ full op-ed on our blog benohio.org/op-ed-mariet...
benohio.org
[Op-Ed] Marietta forced into a toxic game. I am a Republican. Ramaswamy sees us as whiners - Buckeye Environmental Network
The billionaire candidate lobbying for data centers and calling people advocating for clean water ‘whiners’ is not the way forward for Ohio. Written by Susan Vessels – August 24th, 2026 Ohio State Uni...
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
We are excited that The Columbus Dispatch is giving this fight the attention it deserves, and highlighting the work of Marietta City Council President Susan Vessels,BEN, and so many local residents who have kept pushing for answers. www.dispatch.com/story/news/l...
dispatch.com
Marietta residents fight fracking brine disposal, call it 'Russian roulette'
For years, Marietta and Washington County have seen billions of gallons of radioactive fracking waste injected underground. Residents are fed up.
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Check out this episode of Green Arenas.! Host Robert Carrillo speaks with Cat Adams of Buckeye Environmental Network about the hidden dangers of plastic pyrolysis, a technology often marketed as “chemical recycling.” www.greenarenaspod.com/episodes#h.z...
greenarenaspod.com
Green Arenas - Episodes
Episode 1: Don’t Be a Litter Shidder!
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Reposted by Buckeye Environmental Network
Oil and Gas Watch @oilandgaswatch.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Public comment period open on new power plant for data centers in central OH oilandgaswatch.org/alert/d68824... @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social
Public comment period open on new power plant for data centers in central OH 

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is accepting comments until Sept. 5 on a draft air construction permit for EdgeConnex's New Albany North Power Plant near Columbus. This new gas-fired power plant would be able to generate up to 566 megawatts of electricity for co-located data centers. It could emit over 1.6 million tons of greenhouse gases and over 640 tons of health-harming criteria air pollutants every year. 

To learn more, visit the LINK IN BIO or visit oilandgaswatch.org/alerts
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
"BEN, along with other activists, held meetings and pushed for a moratorium. They pointed to flooded wells, waste brought in from outside the area and pressure readings they said kept climbing even after changes were made at Redbird." www.theintermountain.com/news/local-n...
theintermountain.com
Injection well concerns bubbling up
MARIETTA ‌— ‌Injection ‌wells have become a national flashpoint following an article in the New York Times, which references events in and around Marietta. In Washington County, the argument is still ...
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
www.mariettatimes.com/news/2026/08...
mariettatimes.com
Washington County Commissioner calls for moratorium on injection wells
MARIETTA – Washington County Commissioner Greg Nohe’s motion to prepare a moratorium on Class II injection wells failed in a vote, leading to intense public discussion on the safety of injection wells...
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
This ep of The Sound of Ideas feat. @twrader.bsky.social, Marietta City Council Pres. Susan Vessels, and Clevelad State Biological & Geological Science Prof. Kevin Mueller highlights the bipartisan fight for bette regulation of injection wells. ohiochannel.org/programs/the...
ohiochannel.org
The Ohio Channel
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Our executive director @beccapollard.bsky.social is among representatives of enviro groups quotes in this update on fracking in Wayne Natl Forest. www.athensmessenger.com/connect/thou...
athensmessenger.com
Thousands of acres of land in Wayne National Forest to be opened up to oil and gas drilling
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ohio — A Trump administration plan to lease lands in the Wayne National Forest for oil and gas development has raised the ire of environmentalists.
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
We’re at Franklin Park Conservatory Farmers Market today! Brave the rain and come say hi!
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
“All of these facilities generate some form of hazardous waste, hazardous air pollution, or use toxic solvents," BEN organizer, Cat Adams pointed out. "Around these facilities, communities get sick." app.publicnewsservice.org/story/more-o...
app.publicnewsservice.org
More Ohio communities fighting air pollution from pyrolysis facilities
After a pyrolysis facility in Hebron, Ohio, shut down, leaving behind a string of environmental violations, other communities across the state are paying closer attention to the public health threat
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Marietta City Council President Susan Vessels: “In Marietta, the protection of our little city hinges on the fearlessness of... moms in Southeast Ohio, despite intimidation from an opaque pro-industry lobbying group... the science is on our side.” www.dispatch.com/story/opinio...
dispatch.com
Marietta forced into a toxic game. I am a Republican. Ramaswamy sees us as whiners | Opinion
The billionaire candidate lobbying for data centers and calling people advocating for clean water "whiners" is not the way forward for Ohio.
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Reposted by Buckeye Environmental Network
Becca Pollard @beccapollard.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
For more than a decade @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social has been working on this issue. We’re thrilled that it’s getting national attention! We’re the only org in OH working on this and we need all the support we can get. Donate here to help us keep it up! benohio.org/give/
benohio.org
Donate - Buckeye Environmental Network
GIVE Buckeye Environmental Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to protect Ohio’s native forests and environment. We work with other community organizers to unify the message to legis...
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Shout out to Bev, featured in the News and Sentinel for her work on Washington County’s injection well fight. The story also covers BEN’s legal challenge against ODNR. Good to see national attention on a fight local residents have led for years www.newsandsentinel.com/news/busines...
newsandsentinel.com
National attention turns to Washington County injection well debate
MARIETTA ‌— ‌Injection ‌wells have become a national flashpoint following an article in the New York Times, and in Washington County the argument is still fueled by one hard fact the state has already...
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
New reporting: in May, the BLM approved 3 fracking permits in the Wayne National Forest. A federal lawsuit says the BLM broke a court order and used a flawed review, the same one behind September's lease sale. athensindependent.com/wayne-fracki...
athensindependent.com
Wayne fracking permits OK'd despite pending legal dispute
The same environmental assessment at issue in the dispute over the new permits underpins a lease sale planned for September.
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
The Athens Messenger covered Athens County’s unanimous vote against data centers. We’re proud to see BEN advisory board member Roxanne Groff and local residents recognized for helping bring the resolution forward. www.athensmessenger.com/news/athens-...
athensmessenger.com
Athens County Commission: Commissioners pass resolution opposing construction of data centers
On Tuesday, the Athens County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution opposing the construction of data centers in Athens County.
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
BLM has closed public comment on new fracking leases in the Wayne National Forest. The formal protest period is open. Protests must arrive by mail by Aug. 17. Mail yours as soon as possible so BLM receives and counts it. Our guide: bit.ly/wnf-protests
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Athens County commissioners unanimously passed a resolution opposing data centers. BEN’s Roxanne Groff and Heather Cantino, who organize with Athens County’s Future Action Network, developed the proposal. benohio.org/press-releas...
benohio.org
Data Centers Not Welcome in Athens County - Buckeye Environmental Network
Rxanne Groff and Athens County Commissioners pictured above FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 5, 2026 Data Centers Not […]
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Freepoint laid off most workers, shut its Hebron plant and ignored our July 26 deadline for a public meeting. It still owes workers and the community answers. Use our guide to demand severance pay, medical support, independent testing and cleanup, and a public meeting: bit.ly/4bfs2ly
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Our executive director @beccapollard.bsky.social shares concerns about ODNR’s rule change process. app.publicnewsservice.org/story/ohioan...
app.publicnewsservice.org
Ohioans want comment period extended for state oil and gas rules
Ohio regulators said the state’s existing rules for the oil and gas industry do not need any changes but environmental groups disagree.Every five years, the rules covering permits, safety, well
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Today is the deadline to tell ODNR that “no change” to its Oil & Gas rules is unacceptable! We need rules that take into account current conditions and contemporary science! Tell ODNR to extend the too-short two-week comment period, solicit real input, ans make meaningful updates to protect Ohio!
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Buckeye Environmental Network @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Have you submitted comments on ODNR’s oil and gas rule review yet? All you have to do is send an email! See details below.
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