Recently, the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission took another step toward responsibly developing the natural resources that belong to all Ohioans. Predictably, the decision generated criticism, and that’s OK, from those who insist Ohio must choose between energy development and environmental stewardship.

That is a false choice.

Ohioans deserve an honest conversation about what is happening under state-owned land and why it matters. Responsible oil and natural gas development and the enjoyment of Ohio’s parks, wildlife areas and public lands are not mutually exclusive. They, can, do, and will continue to coexist.

Unfortunately, some of the behavior displayed at this recent meeting underscored how emotional this debate has become. Reasonable people can disagree about public policy, and every Ohioan has the right to voice their opinions about energy development. But when individuals resort to personal insults, name-calling, or suggestions that public servants harm themselves, the rational conversation has gone off the rails.

Commission members were appointed under Ohio law to evaluate nominations and bids for the development of state-owned mineral resources. Citizens are free to disagree with those decisions, but not to threaten those making them.

Ohioans deserved a debate grounded in facts, science, economics and environmental stewardship, not one driven by outrage and personal attacks. The future of Ohio’s energy development is too important to be reduced to slogans and shouting matches. Lost amid the theatrics was a simple reality: Ohio’s public lands can be enjoyed and protected while also contributing to the state’s economic future and energy security.

For over a century, natural gas and oil have been produced safely beneath farms, neighborhoods, businesses and public lands across Ohio. Modern horizontal drilling technology allows operators to access resources thousands of feet below the surface from locations situated away from parks and wildlife areas. Visitors never know development is occurring beneath them because the activity takes place far from any trails, campgrounds, lakes and recreational facilities.

This raises a simple question: If valuable resources exist beneath state-owned lands, should they remain untouched while taxpayers shoulder the burden of maintaining and improving those lands? Or should Ohio responsibly develop those resources and use the proceeds to enhance parks, trails, campgrounds, recreational opportunities and other state priorities?

In recent years, leasing activity on state lands has generated significant revenue for Ohio. Not counting previous approvals, the bids approved recently alone represent nearly a $250 million dollars in additional lease bonus payments. This does not include the untold hundreds of millions or potentially billions in royalties.

The revenue comes at an important time. Ohio, which was recently named the best state park system in America, requires investment in maintenance, infrastructure and amenities. Revenues generated from state-owned resources create opportunities for investment in these priorities without placing the entire burden on taxpayers.

Also often overlooked is the fact that Ohio’s natural gas and oil are among the most responsibly produced energy resources in the world. Ohio producers operate under strict requirements related to well construction, water protection, air emissions, site restoration and operational safety. American producers demonstrate that increased production and environmental progress can occur together.

That matters because demand for natural gas and oil continues to grow. Ohio families still heat and cool their homes with natural gas. Manufacturers rely on it to make needed products. Hospitals, schools and businesses depend on affordable and reliable energy every day.

If these resources are not produced in Ohio under stringent standards, they will be produced elsewhere, often under lax environmental and safety oversight. Producing safely in Ohio means jobs, tax revenue and state regulatory authority.

It is important to remember that these resources belong to Ohioans. Public lands are public assets. When managed responsibly, they can serve multiple purposes at once: award-winning recreation, conservation, wildlife management and responsible resource development.

The debate should not be framed as parks versus energy, but rather whether Ohio will responsibly use its natural resources for the benefit of everyone.

Ohio has demonstrated it can protect its natural treasures while developing the resources beneath them. The path forward is through respectful conversations grounded in fact. If we do that, Ohio can continue to enjoy thriving parks, a strong economy and a secure energy future.

Viewed in this context, every Ohioan wins.