Ohio Oil & Gas Association Opposes Washington County Wastewater Injection Well Moratorium

Parkersburg, WV, September 21, 2026 —

The Ohio Oil & Gas Association has announced its opposition to a proposed three-year moratorium on wastewater injection wells in Washington County. The proposal was put forth by Dr. Amy Acton, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate.

In its statement, the association contends that state decisions regarding the oil and gas industry should be guided by established regulatory processes and scientific review, rather than political considerations.

The proposed moratorium comes amidst ongoing concerns about the potential for wastewater migration. Specifically, these concerns have been raised in relation to the drinking water supply for Marietta, a city located in Washington County.

The Ohio Oil & Gas Association advocates for a framework where industry practices and potential environmental impacts are addressed through comprehensive regulation and scientific assessment. The association did not provide specific details regarding alternative regulatory approaches or timelines, beyond stating their opposition to the proposed moratorium.

Information regarding the specific timeline for when Dr. Acton’s proposal was formally introduced, or the exact nature of the concerns about wastewater migration beyond their proximity to Marietta’s drinking water supply, was not detailed in the summary provided. Similarly, the contractor’s name, specific permit status, inspection outcomes, code violations, or fine amounts related to the wells in question were not included.

The debate highlights a tension between industry advocacy for regulation-driven decisions and public health or environmental concerns that may prompt calls for more immediate measures like moratoriums.

Story summarized from the original created by Sophie Wheeler on www.newsandsentinel.com, see more information here.