To the editor:

Every month it seems another company is announcing a large investment in Ohio. It’s a great time to be in our state and clearly people are taking notice! Sometimes these big dollar numbers come with little impact on Ohioans everyday lives.

However, a recent report by JobsOhio and Cleveland State University highlighted not only the $103.1 billion investment made by the natural gas and oil industry in Ohio but also $1.6 billion in royalty payments that has gone straight into Ohioans pockets.

The report shows not only that the natural gas and oil industry crossed the $100 billion investment threshold but that just between July and December 2022 $1.6 billion in payments were made to Ohioans. This isn’t just a big number on a page.

These royalty payments go directly to landowners, offering many a stream of income to take care of their families and pour into their communities. This number doesn’t even include the additional funds coming in that support local needs like education, infrastructure, and healthcare.

As the Executive Director of the Ohio Natural Energy Institute, it’s incredible to see the industry’s huge investment milestone translating into tangible benefits for Buckeyes. These royalty payments are a real testament to the positive relationship between the natural gas and oil industry and folks in Ohio. I hope we continue to celebrate not just big industry achievements but the immediate benefits reaching our doorsteps.

Bruce Tague,

Executive Director, Ohio Natural Energy Institute,

Pataskala