Tagged: Gas Drilling

Officials say drilling in Ohio's Utica shale region nearly doubled the output of oil and natural gas there since 2011.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday that the drilling process known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in the shale region of eastern Ohio increased the oil output by 93 percent and the natural gas output by 80 percent in that time.

Workers, employers and lobbyists for Ohio's growing oil and gas industry have made a showing at the Statehouse to tout the industry's economic benefits.

The lobbying event Wednesday drew more than 200 industry representatives and 75 lawmakers. It was sponsored by the Ohio Oil & Gas Association, the Ohio Petroleum Council and the Ohio Shale Coalition.

Participants urged lawmakers to expand natural gas development in Ohio. They cited a study by research firm IHS that found 38,000 oil and natural gas-related jobs were created in Ohio last year.