Their View: Drilling for oil in parks is not a good energy alternative -

On Nov. 7, the Ohio House launched its examination of legislation designed to restructure the state's electricity industry.

To be sure, a first step should include erasing a proposal that would permit drilling for oil and gas on state-owned lands, yes, state parks. Proponents argue the provision would encourage energy independence, every barrel or cubic foot reducing reliance on foreign sources. The question is: At what cost?

The focus of the Statehouse should be the development of alternatives, power sources that curb the use of traditional forms and trigger new realms of the economy. Ohioans would have every reason to be dismayed if after all the talk about renewable energy and energy efficiency, the plan called for drilling in state parks, diminishing lands so many enjoy. That wouldn't be an advance, in any way.

- Akron Beacon Journal