The Overview
If you live near an oil or gas well in Ohio, the rules that govern it just got their first major update in more than a decade. Senate Bill 219, which revises the law governing oil and gas wells in Ohio, was signed into law in June and took effect Sept. 23. Sponsor Sen. Al Landis called it "the first major step to updating Ohio's oil and gas operation laws since 2012."
A 2021 study cited by Canary Media estimated 183,090 abandoned oil and gas wells in Ohio, and many may not be in official records; improperly abandoned wells can leak methane or allow fluids to migrate toward groundwater.
What the Law Does
The law amends 11 sections of the Ohio Revised Code and adds two new sections to change the law governing oil and gas wells.
It speeds up the state's oil and gas drilling permitting process, including on state lands, and changes how appeals of Ohio Department of Natural Resources orders proceed. The law also touches road weight limits and utility taxation statutes tied to oil and gas operations.
The American Petroleum Institute applauded the governor for signing the bill, saying it gives operators "greater clarity for operators," while Cathy Cowan Becker, board president of Save Ohio Parks, raised concerns before the signing.
Legislative Status
Sen. Al Landis, a Republican who represents District 31, introduced the bill with 20 cosponsors, including Rep. Mark Hiner (R-OH-98), Rep. Adam Holmes (R-OH-97), Rep. Mark Johnson (R-OH-92), Rep. Ty Mathews (R-OH-83), and Rep. Monica Blasdel (R-OH-79), along with 15 additional Senate cosponsors.
The Senate passed the bill Nov. 20, 2025, 25 to 8. The House passed it June 3, 63 to 30. The Senate then concurred in the House amendments June 10, 33 to 0. Gov. Mike DeWine (R) signed the bill June.
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