The Daily Digger

State Rep. Bob Hagan: Shale oil salesmen=snake oil salesmen More Welch wanted to find out what selling his mineral rights would entail.  He is less than satisfied with the reply that he was given. Cunningham Energy hosted a leasing open house in early October at Ohio University.  According to a report from EcoWatch , Welch attended and was granted permission to record the discussion by Cunningham representative Drake Stevens.  The transcription of the recording reveals Cunningham representatives misleading Welch in regards to chemicals used in the drilling process and the terms of the lease, and quoting him a land price that is well behind market value. Here is an excerpt from the EcoWatch article (cross-posted at grist.org):

"What we've tried to do is separate fact from fiction." Those are the words of Charles Groat, lead author of a new study from the Energy Institute at the University of Texas at Austin. This study has found "no evidence" of hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," leading to groundwater contamination.  According to Groat they "found no direct evidence of the hydraulic fracturing itself - the practice of fracturing the rocks - had contaminated the shallow aquifer."  More after the jump...

Baker Hughes Center for Technology Innovation in Houston Three separate announcements have increased the excitement in Ohio.  New jobs are coming quickly down the pipe (I'd say no pun intended, but it was intended). The $564 million dollar investment by Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations in developing a Massillon base of operations which we reported on yesterday is closer to approval.  More after the jump...

Carrollton residents talk about the economic benefits already being experienced from the gas and oil exploration in the community.  Video after the jump...

Like everyone else, all of us here at The Daily Digger and Energy News Ohio are heartbroken over the tragic shooting at Chardon High School.  We'd like to extend our full heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families, and to the entire community.

Location of potential development in Massillon A recent article by Matthew Rink in Massillon's The Independent newspaper outlines the exciting possibility of a $564 million project which would represent a huge shot in the arm for the city's economy. A Houston-based gas and oil provider, Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations, is in negotiations with the city to build a $40 million facility on a 108.5-acre parcel of land just south of U.S. Route 30 near the Northeast Ohio Commerce Park in Massillon. In addition to the $40 million building investment, plans also call for...

Fracking is the subject of heated debates in more and more locations every day.  How do you feel about the process and the risks that so many are concerned about?  View this "60 Minutes" report on fracking after the jump and then share your thoughts here in the blog comments or over at the Daily Digger Forum.

Our discussion forum is now up and running! Would you like to discuss some of the latest news stories posted here on the blog?  Do you have some news you want to share?  Maybe some questions about the gas and oil exploration in your county?  Suggestions for the blog or Energy News newsletter?  Maybe you just feel like discussing something entirely unrelated to the Ohio energy boom?  You can do it all at the Daily Digger Forum!  Become a member and start posting today! Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! Follow @EnergyNewsBlog

We're glad to announce that a new monthly newsletter will begin to be distributed in the Carroll County area in March 2012.  The Carroll County Energy News will offer yet another way for Ohio residents to stay informed on the latest oil and gas developments, and in connection with The Daily Digger you can be sure to stay up to date and in touch with the community by engaging in discussions and sharing your thoughts on everything that's happening! Look for a copy of the Carroll County Energy News at local businesses in March, and check back here March 1st as The Daily Digger hits full stride, bringing the news that you need to know about the impact of the oil and gas exploration on you and your family! Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter! Follow @EnergyNewsBlog

Chesapeake Energy rig in Carroll County A recent article by Jon Baker in the Times Reporter from New Philadelphia/Dover outlined some of the exciting predictions officials have made regarding the impact of the oil and gas exploration in Tuscarawas County in the coming years. Some of the anticipated benefits include: An unemployment rate of 5 percent or lower by the end of 2012 5,000 to 10,000 new Tuscarawas County residents New pockets of significant wealth Schulmberger Limited is one oil field service company already planning to open a plant in Strasburg, which is expected to create about 250 jobs.  "When you can land a large company like that, other companies find you more easily," said Harry Eadon, executive director of the Tuscarawas County Port Authority.  As already seen in Carroll County, the impact will be felt on the housing market and the hotel industry.