Johnson Visits Scio Facility

Steubenville Herald-Star. Oil and gas officials were able to share the happenings of the industry and voice their concerns during a roundtable discussion on Monday when U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta, visited the Harrison Hub Fractionation Facility in Scio.The Ohio Oil and Gas Association and Ohio Energy Education Program co-hosted a congressional roundtable forum with the congressman to discuss the oil and gas industry in the state. Mike Chadsey, director of public relations for the association, said six different companies were represented during the conference that lasted around 45 minutes. He said they discussed the industry, policies and regulations with Johnson.“It was not political, it wasn’t a fundraiser. This was an official congressional visit and we just talked about what’s going on in the oil and gas industry, the jobs created, billions of investment and what we mean to Ohio’s economy,” he said.Chadsey said they discussed the importance of the oil and gas industry in the county and the state. He said there are a lot of positive things happening in the industry.“We talked about exports and pipeline projects, the power plant projects; all the things that are good news that are happening in and around his (Johnson’s) district and around the rest of the state of Ohio,” he said. “It was a positive meeting focusing on how regulations are effective, how the industry is doing coming after COVID, and how we’re looking to rebound with the rest of manufacturing and everything else as supply and demand catch up to each other as we come out of COVID.”Although Chadsey seemed optimistic about the pandemic winding down, cases of the coronavirus and its more contagious delta variant are on the rise in the region and across the country. The Harrison County Health Department reported 10 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday.More than $90 billion has been invested in the industry across the state, and 208,000 people are currently employed in Ohio’s gas and oil industry, he said.He said roundtable participants also discussed rules and regulations on the federal level that are working and those that are not. He said they expressed frustration with the ban on federal minerals leasing, which impacts people at the Wayne National Forest, located in Monroe County and in counties to its south . He said Johnson was very receptive and engaging in their conversations.Chadsey said the association’s message is that oil and gas is “alive and well” throughout the state and will continue to thrive post COVID-19.“There’s a lot more ahead of us in terms of activity and production,” he added.He said the industry is appreciative of Johnson’s attention and support, and looks forward to continuing economic growth in the state.Following the discussion, Johnson and members of the oil and gas association participated in a tour of the facility. It was Johnson’s first trip to the plant.By Carri GrahamClick here to view the original article.