Natural Gas, Oil Businesses Hold Ohio Lobby Day

Workers, employers and lobbyists for Ohio's growing oil and gas industry have made a showing at the Statehouse to tout the industry's economic benefits.

The lobbying event Wednesday drew more than 200 industry representatives and 75 lawmakers. It was sponsored by the Ohio Oil & Gas Association, the Ohio Petroleum Council and the Ohio Shale Coalition.

Participants urged lawmakers to expand natural gas development in Ohio. They cited a study by research firm IHS that found 38,000 oil and natural gas-related jobs were created in Ohio last year.

The event came 12 days before Governor John Kasich introduces his two-year state budget.    

The Republican governor's plan may include tax hikes on large-scale oil and gas drillers whose proceeds would fund a modest statewide income-tax cut. The plan previously stalled.