COLUMBUS – One year ago, Gov. Bob Taft signed a “good government” bill that consolidates a state agency’s staff and resources into a more effective organization.
The law, House Bill 601, merged two Ohio Department of Natural Resources divisions with regulatory authority over mineral resources industries in the state.
The merger. The merger between the ODNR Division of Mines and Reclamation and the department’s Division of Oil and Gas led to the creation of the Division of Mineral Resources Management.
This merger will conserve government resources and bridge similar services, ultimately benefiting citizens by making the most of tax dollars and increasing efficiency.
In addition, the consolidation of the two ODNR regulatory divisions will provide improved management efficiency and oversight of Ohio’s $1.8 billion mineral resources industry.
No law changes. Other than combining the staff and resources of the two divisions into a single management structure, the new law made no changes in the statute regulating these industries.
Former responsibilities. As it is previously structured, the ODNR Division of Mines and Reclamation implemented laws for reclamation of lands affected by mining, and ensured the safety of those employed in the mining industry.
The ODNR Division of Oil and Gas supervised and regulated oil and gas operations in Ohio and issued permits required for all wells, except those drilled in fresh water.
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