Pipeline Explosions! Story #1 and Story #2
Posted Sept 13th, 2018
Massive Gas Line Explosion, Fire Prompt Evacuations In Center Twp.
The Next Financial Crisis Lurks Underground
Posted on Sept 5th, 2018
Fueled by debt and years of easy credit, America’s energy boom is on shaky footing.
How the fossil fuel industry drums up grassroots support (it’s called astroturfing)
Posted on May 31, 2018
The practice by industry of creating an image of grassroots support for a cause.
Sheehy Announces Opposition to Oil Drilling Waste
Posted on May 31, 2018
"State Rep. Michael Shelly decried the passage of House Bill 393 in the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee last Tuesday, which would allow waste from oil and gas operations to be sold for snow and ice removal on roads and driveways."
Radium has been widely spread on Pennsylvania roadways without regulation
Posted on May 31, 2018
Wastewater from the oil and gas industry that's being spread on roadways to control dust and ice in at least 13 states, poses a threat to the environment and to human health."
NEXUS pipeline protested
Posted on May 16, 2018
NEXUS Oberlin demonstrators Monday morning protesting construction of the NEXUS pipeline
Anti-pipeline campaigners found not guilty by judge because ‘protest against climate change crisis’ was legal ‘necessity’
Posted on March 29, 2018
Dozens of protestors who clambered into holes dug for a high pressure gas pipeline said they were found not responsible by a judge after hearing them argue their actions to try and stop climate change were a legal "necessity".
Levelized cost of energy for wind and solar continues to drop below fossil fuels. What barriers remain for a low-carbon grid?
Posted on March 25, 2018
"Wind and solar are now cheaper than virtually anyone predicted. Rapid cost declines made renewable energy the cheapest available source of new electricity, even without subsidies, in 2017."
Pipeline Corruption
Posted on March 15, 2018
Critics of Bayou Bridge Pipeline in Louisiana Decry State & Company Surveillance of Protesters
Council Votes to Settle with NEXUS
Posted on February 26, 2018
Oberlin - potential $100,000 Settlement with Enbridge for NEXUS pipeline.
Referendum efforts moving forward, City steps up NEXUS hotline.
Posted on February 26, 2018
800 signatures needed to challenge NEXUS settlement on the ballot.
Since Standing Rock, 56 Bills Introduced in 30 States to Restrict Protests
Posted on February 17, 2018
In the year since the last activists were evicted, the crackdown on journalists and activists has only intensified.
The Ohio River – Most Contaminated Body of Water in The Country – Travis Sams (6/1/17)
Posted on February 12, 2018
According to the EPA, the Ohio River is the most contaminated body of water in the country.
Video of Green City Council Meeting voting to accept $7.5M from NEXUS
Posted on February 9, 2018
See Video with public comments and vote re: Green City County Council meeting.
China is Financing a Petrochemical Hub in Appalachia. Meet its Powerful Backers.
Posted on February 9, 2018
Over the past year, oil and gas industry plans to build a petrochemical refining and storage hub along the Ohio River have steadily gained traction.
Radium again found in Allegheny River and Tributaries
Posted on January 21, 2018
Sediment from Allegheny River and two Indiana County creeks contain high levels of radioactivity downstream from where treated wastewater from conventional gas well drilling operations is discharged.
NYC Sues Big Oil Over Climate Impacts, Plans To Divest $5 Billion From Fossil Fuels
Posted on January 17, 2018
"We're going after those who have profited" said Mayor Bill de Blasio. (Lawsuit against five major oil companies: BP, Chevron, Conoco Phillips, ExxonMobil, and Royal Dutch Shell)
Radioactive Wastewater, Treated by a Private Company, Discharged to a Public Works, Sent to a River
Posted on January 17, 2018
Fracking wastewater comes back to the surface after hydraulic fracturing, aka "blowback" or "produced water" or "brine", which contains toxic compounds including uranium which turns into radium MAKING WASTEWATER RADIOACTIVE.
Grant Township, PA: Sanctions Against Our Lawyers “Badge of Courage”
Posted on January 13, 2018
Elected supervisors of Grant Twp.,PA respond to sanctions agains Community Environmental Legal DefenseFund attorneys who have "defended our community's right to stop a toxic frack wastewater injection well for over three years.
NEXUS Pipeline Will Begin Construction Through OHIO!
Posted on October 12, 2017
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) gave final approval yesterday (10/11/17)
They have stolen our lives!
Posted on October 12, 2017
Crum compressor station
Merrily Mazza, Lafayette, Colorado City Councilor
Posted on October 6, 2017
President of the Colorado Community Rights Network - speaking to communities in Ohio - we have to join together!
Supreme Court decision
Posted on September 22, 2017
Supreme Court decision regarding the Medina County Charter initiative
The Latest Red Flag for U.S. Shale
Posted on September 1, 2017
Growing number of reports suggest that the industry is facing much more financial trouble than many analysts had expected - investors bailing on U.S. Shale?
FERC OKs NEXUS pipeline – Medina Gazette
Posted on August 26, 2017
NEXUS has received final approval to begin construction from FERC- violates the Constitutional Rights of "WE THE PEOPLE"
Corporate State says DEMOCRACY is too EXPENSIVE
Posted on August 19, 2017
Cost of corporate state vs. "cost" of democracy: State acted on behalf of industry, passing HB463 to render meaningless the right to initiative, and our elected provide corporate welfare ("subsidies"). The oil/gas industry has received almost $5 billion dollars annually in subsidies from the government (the people) since 1918.
Protest Letter lodged with the Medina County Board of Elections for refusal to place proposed County Charter on November 2017 ballot
Posted on August 2, 2017
Protest letter delivered to the Medina County Board of Elections by Committee of Petitioners - August 1, 2017
Pipeline’s path paved with high hopes – and broken dreams
Posted on July 20, 2017
Heartbreak and fear for those along NEXUS pipeline route
Judge rejects county charter complaint – Medina Gazette
Posted on July 20, 2017
A visiting judge rules that petition seeking a November vote to create a charter form of government was legally ruled off the ballot.
Election Board’s Charter Decision Challenged in Court
Posted on July 20, 2017
Arguments challenging the Medina County Board of Elections decision to keep the petition for a county charter off the ballot will be heard in Medina County Common Pleas
Natural Gas Building Boom Fuels Climate Worries, Enrages Landowners: NPR
Posted on July 17, 2017
Scientists warn that the rush to more pipelines is bad for dangerously warming planet and industry consultants say there isn't enough demand in the US. FERC has resisted making requested reforms.
Visiting judge will hear dispute over charter government proposal – Medina Gazette
Posted on July 16, 2017
Visiting Judge Peter Handwork will hear Sustainable Medina County's dispute with the Medina County Board of Elections over the legality of the proposed County Charter since Judges Kimbler and Collier recused themselves.
Elections board doesn’t certify county charter petitions
Posted on July 16, 2017
The Medina County Board of Elections did not certify petitions with 6,494 signatures of registered voters supporting the placement of a county charter on the Nov. 7th ballot. John Welker voted for it and Pamela Miller, Sharon Ray and Jim Cray voted to keep it off the ballot.
Greenpeace exposes internal emails from Rover
Posted on July 15, 2017
Dakota Access Company Cozied Up To Ohio Officials - Then A Pollution Nightmare Began.
Oscar-Nominated Actor James Cromwell Speaks Out Before Jail Time for Peaceful Anti-Fracking Protest
Posted on July 15, 2017
Amy Goodman interview of James Cromwell who is going to jail for taking part in a non-violent protest in December 2015 in New York
Participate in Local Democracy! Plan to attend the public meeting at the Board of Elections on Monday, July 10th at 3pm
Posted on July 6, 2017
6,494 County residents signed petitions to put the County Charter/Community Bill of Rights on the November ballot - four unelected board members will decide. Tell the Board to LET THE PEOPLE VOTE!
NEXUS foes try charter again
Posted on July 1, 2017
Members of Sustainable Medina County delivered petitions containing 6,494 signatures to the Medina County Board of Elections in support of putting a County Charter initiative on the November ballot.
Community Rights Ordinance saved Nottingham's water - Document not Found.
Posted on June 20, 2017
"We have a democracy crisis in our country and the question is will We the People stand up to huge corporations and the politicians that they "influence" to reclaim our right to community self-determination?
Pittsburgh plans to power itself with 100% renewable energy
Posted on June 12, 2017
Pittsburgh aims to transition to 100% renewable-energy sources, like wind and solar.
The Rover Pipeline: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Briefing
Posted on June 7, 2017
The Rover pipeline will lead to annual emissions of nearly 145 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent - equivalent to adding 42 coal-fired power plants or over 30 million passenger vehicles.
Legal timeline outlined in NEXUS case
Posted on June 7, 2017
Possible timeline for the federal lawsuit seeking stop construction of the $2 billion NEXUS pipeline project.
Stalled NEXUS pipeline to be subject of town hall meeting in Ann Arbor
Posted on June 7, 2017
A Town Hall Meeting with a panel of experts (legal, environmental and energy) has been organized by a Washtenaw County Commissioner who has concerns about the NEXUS pipeline.
Unequal Exchange: How Taxpayers Shoulder the Burden of Fossil Fuel Development on Federal Lands
Posted on May 25, 2017
http://priceofoil.org/20 17/05/24/unequal-exchange-taxp ayers-burden-fossil-fuel-feder al-lands/
Guilford considers NEXUS grant
Posted on May 20, 2017
Township trustees are looking into applying for a grant provided by NEXUS Gas Transmission - Medina-Gazette 5/18/17....
Ohio City Plans Lawsuit to Stop NEXUS Gas Pipeline Construction
Posted on May 5, 2017
Green mayor has upped the ante in the fight to stop the NEXUS pipeline.
Widely-Opposed Pipeline ‘Confirms Worst Fears’ After Two Spills Into Ohio Wetlands
Posted on April 19, 2017
Energy Transfer Partners' NEW ROVER PIPELINE (which began last month) has spilled millions of gallons of drilling fluids into Ohio's wetlands.
The Reluctant Radical
Posted on April 5, 2017
Trailer for soon to be released documentary film about climate activist Ken Ward putting himself in the direct path of the fossil fuel industry to fulfill personal obligation to future generations
Groups to share information on environmental hazards – “Communities Rising Tour”
Posted on April 5, 2017
Communities from Ohio and Pennsylvania joining together (April 7th-11th) to protect themselves.
Mysterious leak near Porterville Compressor Station, NY
Posted on March 31, 2017
Gas Leak at or near Elma Compressor Station - residents alarmed by smell of gas and told to evacuate NEXUS will not be odorizing the gas (except for the last 20 miles of the pipeline). Residents in communities along the NEXUS pipeline route and in the blast zone and near the compressor stations will not be able to smell a gas leak. The Ohio EPA will not be monitoring the NEXUS pipeline/compressor station. Question: Do the Medina County Fire Departments have appropriate air quality detect...
Are County Auditors Owed A Pipeline Easement Fee?
Posted on March 31, 2017
Some Ohio county auditors affected by the planned natural gas pipeline (NEXUS) are trying to collect conveyance fees on the easements held with landowners.
The Scariest Pipelines in the U.S. Threatening Our Public Lands
Posted on March 27, 2017
"The Dakota Access protests made headlines, but there's a bigger war being waged against pipelines across the country that threaten our favorite parks and forests"
NEXUS wants to use eminent domain to ram a pipeline through Michigan and Ohio – and you to help pay for it
Posted on March 5, 2017
You can't use eminent domain if it's not for the public good .... and DTE wants customers to pay for something that isn't going to be viable.
NEXUS payments investigated
Posted on March 4, 2017
Medina County officials looking into allegations that NEXUS has not been paying a state-mandated transfer fee on property acquired from local landowners.
Homeowners resist pipeline, fear property value decline and gas explosions
Posted on March 4, 2017
Concerns of landowners whose property lies in the planned path for the 250-mile NEXUS pipeline .... and NEXUS has sought waivers to avoid odorizing the gas
Man makes case for DET, Enbridge pipeline from beyond the grave
Posted on March 4, 2017
Are people writing from beyond the grave to support the NEXUS pipeline?
Protestors: Fault line an issue for plan (NEXUS pipeline)
Posted on February 9, 2017
Group calls for company to reroute its pipeline
Grassroots Group Files for Hearing in NEXUS Pipeline Project
Posted on February 2, 2017
findings of "major mistake of scientific fact" - Motion for formal hearing filed
BLOWOUT – Who’s Next?
Posted on January 24, 2017
Preview film - re: compressor stations and pipelines
Protestors rally against pipeline, compressor station
Posted on January 20, 2017
Protest rally educating Wadsworth residents re: toxins from the NEXUS pipeline and compressor station - many residents in Wadsworth and Medina County unaware of health risks.
Dirty Money, Dirty Water II Story
Posted on January 9, 2017
Communities having difficult time protecting their quality of life and drinking water from harm ...
Whistleblower John Bolenbaugh tears up explaining Standing Rock’s importance
Posted on January 7, 2017
Whistleblower John Bolenbaugh, (a former oil company employee), who has spent his life savings documenting oil spills -- who turned down a 60 million dollar settlement ....
I May Be Facing Felony Charges, But the Real Radicals Are Running the Fossil Fuel Companies
Posted on January 3, 2017
Five activists who turned off the major tar sands pipelines coming into the U.S. on October 11, 2016
8 Worst Pipeline Spills in the Last 10 Years
Posted on January 2, 2017
Some of the most egregious cases from the past decade and why we should be concerned ...
Michigan River Remains Poisoned by Oil Five Years After Massive Spill
Posted on December 29, 2016
Public told everything under control but fight still ongoing to hold Enbridge accountable. Community not protected nor were they informed about what dangers they faced. (Will this be the same with NEXUS?)
Enbridge Energy Partners (owner of Spectra Energy) and the EPA conspired to cover up pipeline spill
Posted on December 29, 2016
Enbridge Energy Partners is the new owner of the NEXUS pipeline. Enbridge and the EPA conspired to cover up the 2010 Kalamazoo River tar sands pipeline spill.
U.S. SHALE GAS INDUSTRY: Countdown to Disaster
Posted on December 28, 2016
The U.S. Shale Industry has been in the red since 2009.
How Pipeline Soil Disturbance can Put Arsenic in Drinking Water
Posted on December 28, 2016
More study needed of pipeline's health impact - poses serious dangers to water supply - naturally occurring bacteria and release of arsenic
NEXUS menacing charge against Army veteran dismissed
Posted on December 21, 2016
Criminal chargers brought about by NEXUS against an Army veteran were dismissed.
NEXUS pipeline protestors hold rally on Medina Square
Posted on December 11, 2016
Residents from across Ohio gathered on Medina Public Square to protest the NEXUS pipeline.
Say NO TO NEXUS rally
Posted on December 11, 2016
Protest Rally on Medina Public Square - 12/10/16
University report examines dangers of natural gas pipelines
Posted on December 11, 2016
Recently released analysis details of the dangers of natural gas pipelines scheduled to run through Medina and 10 Ohio counties
A Last Resort that Might Work: Small Town Votes In COMMUNITY BILL OF RIGHTS to Ban Fracking
Posted on December 10, 2016
Opposing a pipeline, residents in Waterville, Ohio, passed a new law to protect their right to clean air, water and soil.
Updated Pipeline Incident Analysis
Posted on December 6, 2016
Massive new pipelines continue to be problematic
FERC impact study OKs pipeline – Opponents hope fight continues
Posted on December 6, 2016
Still possible to halt the NEXUS pipeline - many legal challenges
Bowling Green City Council REJECTS NEXUS pipeline plans
Posted on December 6, 2016
Bowling Green City County unanimously (7-0) rejected Spectra Energy's offer for an easement to a standing-room only crowd.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission – Final Environmental Impact Statement
Posted on December 5, 2016
FERC Final Environmental Impact Statement - 11/30/16
Property owners talk repercussions of NEXUS pipeline
Posted on December 2, 2016
Residents fear the future if NEXUS pipeline is built in Medina County.
FERC supports original route
Posted on December 1, 2016
NEXUS received a RECOMMENDATION for approval of the original pipeline route
FERC considering new adjustment to NEXUS Pipeline route (see map)
Posted on November 19, 2016
More county property owners now find themselves in path of proposed pipeline
Sierra Club files Antitrust Claim against DTE pipeline
Posted on November 18, 2016
DTE is partially funding the NEXUS pipeline.
Waterville City Council meets for first time after Community Bill of Rights passed
Posted on November 15, 2016
Letter sent to NEXUS saying they now have a law preventing them from building the pipeline.
Judge denies NEXUS request
Posted on November 13, 2016
Judge Collier denied a request by NEXUS Gas Transmission for an injunction seeking the right to survey land
Waterville Residents Ban Pipelines and Compressor Stations through Adopting Community Bill of Rights
Posted on November 12, 2016
City of Waterville - Charter Amendment passed to ban NEXUS pipeline and Compressor Station
UNICEF Warns World: 2 Billion Children Breathe Toxic Air
Posted on November 12, 2016
Alarming rates of pollution cause concerns for kids' health - not just lungs, but developing brains
NEXUS pipeline survey goes to Court
Posted on October 31, 2016
Harvey property surveyed without their knowledge and permission
NEXUS route changes, concerns discussed
Posted on October 26, 2016
Public Forum Monday, October 24, 2016 at Medina Library re: NEXUS re-route Chippewa D
Ohio’s oil-and-gas industry donations, ruling tied?
Posted on October 19, 2016
Sen. Larry Obhof and Rep. Dave Hall took in money from the oil and gas PACs
Learning from the Standing Rock Sioux
Posted on September 18, 2016
"Our native brothers and sisters have something to teach us ...
Engineer says NEXUS should move pipeline away from water wells
Posted on September 16, 2016
Sandusky County's sanitary engineer is asking the proposed NEXUS natural gas line developers to move their route away from water wells that provide fresh water to hundreds.
Relator’s Motion for Reconsideration Denied
Posted on September 16, 2016
Court denied Motion. ( See Press Release posting where Justice O'Neill disagrees with Court's decision of disallowing the initiative petitions on the ballot saying: "This is a usurpation of power from the people that we should not indulge." He further claimed that Husted did not have the power to veto the charter petitions on behalf of the oil and gas industry ....
NEXUS surveyors can enter Medina County properties, appeals court says
Posted on September 14, 2016
After yearlong court battle, Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of the NEXUS pipeline over protests of the property owners
Ohio Residents stand with Standing Rock People, protest the NEXUS Pipeline
Posted on September 14, 2016
Rally held at State Capitol in Columbus, Ohio 9/12/16
New NEXUS pipeline great idea says man who died in 1998
Posted on September 14, 2016
Glenn England letter to FERC supporting the NEXUS pipeline ... and he has been dead for 18 years
Salem Twp. (PA) Spectra Pipeline Explosion – Meeting 9/13/16
Posted on September 14, 2016
Spectra's review of pipeline corrosion that cause pipeline blast that severely injured James Baker and destroyed homes and surrounding areas
Corrosion Discovered four years before Westmoreland County (PA) pipe blast
Posted on September 14, 2016
Investigation finds gas pipeline had coating problems in 2012
Relators’ Motion For Reconsideration
Posted on September 10, 2016
Court to reconsider, vacate and set aside its September 6, 2016 decision.
Opponents of NEXUS pipeline claim someone has been sending fake letters to federal regulators
Posted on September 2, 2016
Someone has been sending fake letters to federal regulators trying to encourage them to support the NEXUS Pipeline.
Is Someone Forging Hundreds of Public Comments in Support of the NEXUS Pipeline?
Posted on September 2, 2016
An investigation is requested into what may be hundreds of forged letters of public comment.
Charter supporters sue Husted, Board of Elections
Posted on August 26, 2016
Supreme Court asked to put county charter issue on November ballot.
FERC hears public comments
Posted on August 22, 2016
Residents had to submit comments to FERC in a private room instead of holding a public hearing as requested.
Ohio Residents Clash with State and County Government in Fight to Ban Fracking via the Ballot
Posted on August 22, 2016
Petitioners (for the County Charter Initiative) have filed their appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court.
Compressor Stations Open Up New Front In Fracking Debate
Posted on August 9, 2016
People who live near compressor stations say the pollution is making them sick.
Medina county judge nixes Nexus plan to survey land
Posted on August 3, 2016
Judge Collier denied request from NEXUS to survey the land of 39 county property owners
Ohio Secretary of State Husted Tries to Quash Democracy – Again
Posted on August 3, 2016
Husted breaks tie vote if Medina County Board of Elections in favor of oil and gas, against Medina residents
Medina County Elections Board Doesn’t Certify Charter Petitions
Posted on August 1, 2016
The Board of Elections reviewed petitions and found the 5,501 signatures to be valid, but County Prosecutor Dean Holman's office advised they had discretion to not accept the petitions.
Sustainable Medina County presents charter petition
Posted on August 1, 2016
6,578 petition signatures turned in to the Medina County Board of Elections
Is the IOGCC, Created by Congress in 1935, Now a Secret Oil and Gas Lobby?
Posted on July 7, 2016
Secret Oil and Gas Lobby you have never heard of
Green World Rising
Posted on July 7, 2016
"By harnessing the elements: the sun, wind and waters, we can move away from our dependence on fossil fuels, decentralize and create a sustainable economy that will support our modern civilization long into the future."
We the People 2.0 – The Second American Revolution
Posted on July 5, 2016
A film featuring the new democracy movement building across the United States elevating community and nature's rights over corporate "rights".
Medina County group files 6,578 signatures seeking November vote on community bill of rights
Posted on July 2, 2016
A total of 6,578 signatures turned in to the Medina County Board of Elections
Clean Air Pennsylvania – first person accounts of impacts while living surrounded by natural gas compressor stations - Not Found
Posted on June 22, 2016
Videos of impacts from persons living surrounded by natural gas compressor stations, some less than one mile away
PSE Health Energy Science Summary – The potential impacts of shale gas and oil development on children as a vulnerable population-- Not Found
Posted on June 22, 2016
Impacts of shale gas and oil development, including pipelines and compressor stations, on children
Interactive Map Shows Where Toxic Air Pollution From Oil and Gas Industry Is Threatening 12.4 Million Americans
Posted on June 22, 2016
The oil and gas industry, the country's largest and fastest-growing source of methane emissions, emits numerous other hazardous and toxic air pollutants - including benzene, formaldehyde, etc. which present significant cancer and respiratory health risks.
Howarth alerts White House of growing methane danger
Posted on June 6, 2016
"We need to recognize that natural gas - and shale gas, in particular, is not a Bridge Fuel"
Spectra Energy Pipeline (NEXUS PIPELINE) Explodes Burning Homes and Resident
Posted on April 30, 2016
Pipeline similar to the NEXUS Pipeline proposed for Medina County
A question of effect: Pipelines vs. Mortgages, Property Values, Insurance
Posted on April 14, 2016
The effects of pipelines on mortgages, property values and property insurance
U.S. Congressman Wants Study of Health Impacts of Compressor Stations
Posted on February 26, 2016
New York Congressman Gibson asking FERC for independent study to review the health impacts of compressor stations
Ohio EPA – NEXUS Gas Transmission Proposed Air Permitting Strategy
Posted on February 22, 2016
Powerpoint slides from NEXUS presentation- see pages 20 and 21 entitled Preliminary Emission Estimates
Ohio EPA Wadsworth Compressor Station Public Hearing (Part 2)
Posted on February 19, 2016
Ohio EPA Compressor Station Hearing (Medina County, Ohio) February 16, 2016 (Part 2 EPA Hearing)
Ohio EPA Wadsworth Compressor Station Public Hearing (Part 1 of 2)
Posted on February 19, 2016
Ohio EPA Compressor Station Hearing, February 16, 2016 (Medina County, Ohio) Part 1 of 2 (Q & A portion)
Pipeline Compressor Station in Southern Medina County Comes Under Attack from Nexus Opponents
Posted on February 17, 2016
To read Ohio.com coverage of the meeting last night please click on the link below. http://www.ohio.com/news/local/pipeline-compressor-station-in-southern-medina-county-comes-under-attack-from-nexus-opponents-1.662626
Sustainable Medina County Files Objections to Wadsworth Compressor Permit
Posted on February 16, 2016
Sustainable Medina County has submitted a legal objection to the Wadworth Compressor Unit of the Nexus Pipeline Corporation. You can find the objection here.
Medina County Auditor – devalued property
Posted on May 17, 2015
Mike Kovack, Medina County Auditor, submitted to FERC on May 13, 2015 a letter regarding the Nexus pipeline and devalued property. Link to Letter: Auditor Michael Kovack-tax devalue ltr
Proposed charter aims to address pipeline projects in Medina County – The Medina County Gazette - Not Found
Posted on April 19, 2015
A group of Medina County residents are hoping to make it the first in the state to create a new county charter through a ballot initiative.
Sustainable Medina County is launching a petition campaign to create a charter that would include a community bill of rights aimed at preventing projects such as the proposed 36-inch NEXUS gas pipeline to be constructed across 20 miles in Medina County.
“I think we have a really strong group in Sustainable Medina County,” said Kathie Jones, of Sharon Township.
“We’re really hoping we can do this, and we’re getting a lot of support.”
The group needs to collect 4,900 signatures by June 24, and said they would work to build community support in the coming weeks.
At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sustainable Medina County will hold a community kick-off meeting at the Medina County Library, 210 S. Broadway St., Medina.
The event will include a discussion with attorney Terry Lodge, who will lead a discussion on the NEXUS pipeline, residents’ rights and health and safety issues.
“He’s an environmental attorney with many years of experience,” Jones said. “He’s going to provide detail about what we’re planning to do with the county charter.”
Sustainable Medina County has partnered with the Ohio Community Rights Network and the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) to help draft the language of the petition to create a charter. Tish O’Dell serves as a coordinator for the Ohio Community Rights Network and as the Ohio organizer for the CELDF. She said the charter proposal in Medina County is the first of its kind in the state.
“We’ve researched and, according to the state constitution, you can draft a county charter. It’s just never been done before by the people,” she said.
She said there are other communities in Ohio that are considering creating a charter and drafting a similar bill of rights and they’re looking to Medina County to see how the process works here.
O’Dell said the petition is one of the only tools local grassroots groups have to fight against proposals for the pipeline and other petroleum-industry projects, such as drilling wells.
“The pipelines come in and say you can’t stop this deal, they bully us with intimidation and lawsuits, and they can hire more attorneys than us,” she said. “But this is about the community being able to assert their rights to be protected from harm.”
O’Dell said the proposed petition would not disrupt the current government structure and would keep county elected positions in place, but it would add a citizens’ bill of rights to the county government.
“It gives us the right to protect our water and our air,” O’Dell said.
The community rights movement is growing, said Emilie Judy of Montville Township. Judy said more people are looking for ways to protect their properties from the oil and gas industry.
“We have an inalienable right to protect the places where we live, and Medina County residents are working to codify that right in our county charter,” she said.
The formal language for the petition is scheduled to be posted on the group’s website, http://sustainablemediacounty.org. The group hopes to get the initiative placed on the county ballot in November.
