Fracking's challenges

As Ohio seeks to cash in on expanded oil and natural-gas exploration and production, it needs stronger rules governing drilling procedures to protect Ohioans' health and safety.

Gov. John Kasich's administration cannot dismiss new seismic evidence that draws potential links between the controversial process of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and earthquakes. Nor can the governor ignore the costs of better roads and other improvements that the anticipated drilling frenzy will demand. He needs to be willing to raise the revenue to meet those demands and enforce environmental rules by appropriately taxing those who are so eager to extract Ohio's mineral wealth.

...

The Kasich administration seems receptive to at least a modest increase in the tax, although it is reluctant to state how much. But Ohio's oil and gas industry is hot because of the reserves that have become available; a 5 percent severance tax would not dissuade producers. If Ohio fails to increase its severance tax on drillers, taxpayers will bear the burden of drilling's higher costs

http://www.toledoblade.com/Editorials/2012/01/07/Frackings-challenges.html