"The Democratic candidate for governor backed restrictions on disposal of fracking wastewater around a hard-hit town, and called for a “thorough investigation” of the dangers."
"For years, Ohio has been a disposal destination for hundreds of millions of gallons of toxic wastewater produced by the fracking industry. The wastewater, which contains hazardous chemicals and radioactive material, is pumped deep underground into injection wells, where it’s supposed to stay.
But recently it has been bubbling up to the surface, raising fears about health risks and drinking water contamination. Now, as elections loom, the issue is gaining political traction.
On Thursday Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate for governor in Ohio, pledged her support for a moratorium on this kind of fracking-wastewater disposal during a campaign stop in the town of Marietta, Ohio, where the water has been resurfacing, alarming the community.
The leaks are “destroying local businesses and potentially contaminating Marietta’s drinking water,” said Dr. Acton, a physician who formerly led the Ohio Department of Health. “This poses a serious threat to the safety and quality of life.”"
Quinn Glabicki reports for the New York Times September 17, 2026.
