COLUMBUS—The Ohio Oil & Gas Association today released its first “Community Impact & Sustainability Report,” which showcases the many ways in which the industry is promoting environmental stewardship and making a positive impact in the state.

The 54-page report features data points and anecdotes that OOGA collected through a survey of its member companies. It focuses on three key areas: 1.) Fostering innovations that promote responsible stewardship of the environment; 2.) Giving back to the communities in which the industry operates; and 3.) Providing educational tools and outreach to schools and the public.

“OOGA’s membership has a positive, optimistic story to tell, not only in terms of economic benefits, but also of environmental responsibility, educational engagement and giving back to the community,” said OOGA President Rob Brundrett. “I encourage Ohioans to look through the report to get a better idea of how the natural gas and oil industry is making Ohio a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

The report provides details of how various technological upgrades have helped drastically reduce emissions. These continued efforts are making a major impact: Ohio produced 15 times more natural gas in 2018 than in 1990, while at the same time reducing CO2 emissions by 15 percent.

It also highlights how the industry has partnered with dozens of organizations on charitable giving initiatives, ranging from food banks to 4H programs to community park and playground upgrades. From a tax standpoint, over the past decade OOGA’s member companies have paid $850 million in ad valorem taxes, which goes directly toward supporting local governments and school construction projects.

Finally, the report spotlights OOGA’s non-profit sister organization, the Ohio Oil & Gas Energy Education Program (OOGEEP), which has invested more than $23 million into educational programs and public outreach since its inception in 1998. In just the past five years, OOGEEP has awarded $267,000 in scholarships to help young people earn a college degree and pursue a job in the industry.

Founded in 1947, OOGA is a statewide trade association, today serving about 1,300 members, including both small, independent conventional producers and large independent horizontal operators exploring Ohio’s shale play. The membership also consists of midstream companies, large-scale transmission line companies, contractors, oilfield service and supply providers, manufacturers, gas utilities and various other professional entities.