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Injection wells are one of the issues I have been asked about most this election season. While the concern may be new to some, I have worked on it for more than six years. The last time the Ohio Department of Natural Resources -- the licensing and monitoring authority for Class II injection wells -- held a public meeting in Washington County, it did so at my urging as president of the Board of County Commissioners.
When the Ohio EPA held a public meeting here last year, it again came at my urging, this time as a newly elected legislator. To my knowledge, I am the only elected official who has met with representatives of the Buckeye Environmental Network and the local Safe Drinking Water group. At their request, I also secured for them a meeting with ODNR Director Mary Mertz this summer.
That is my role: to report local concerns to the proper authority. My job is NOT to decide whether those concerns are valid. If people questioned the safety of the Williamstown Bridge, I would take that information to ODOT and expect a workable answer from its experts. I would not pretend to be an engineer.
The problem is that ODNR has been largely unwilling to address public concern. In June 2025, I sent a heated email to Oil and Gas Division Chief Eric Vendel challenging conflicting messages from his office: "I'd like to know if you believe the wells are safe, and if they are, what EXACTLY is your proactive plan to allay the fears of the public. My sole concern is the welfare of the people of the 94th District." Since then, ODNR has done little to advance the discussion.
People deserve clear answers about orphan wells, possible lateral brine migration, and road damage from out-of-state brine trucks. Some have called for a moratorium on new wells or permits. But since ODNR adopted new rules in 2022, it has received no applications for new injection wells in Washington County. This practical moratorium has paused any new wells, even if it does not satisfy everyone.
The next step is new leadership at ODNR, leaders who will answer to the public as they actively protect local communities. I am hopeful the new administration will appoint strong public servants, and I will do my part to hold their feet to the fire.
State Rep. Kevin Ritter, R-94th
Marietta