On February 17, fellow Bricker & Eckler blog ShaleOhio.com posted an article on the challenges local officials are facing in the state of Montana as a result of the oil and gas boom they've experienced over the past several years.
A Billings Gazette article highlights a recent conference in Montana where local government officials met with county commissioners from across the state to discuss the downsides of the Bakken oil development boom. Officials complained that the 18-month tax holiday granted to oil and gas operations makes it even more difficult for small communities to deal with the negative impacts caused by the industry, including "inadequate water and wastewater treatment systems, beat-up gravel roads, scarce housing and strapped services," the article said.
Ohio and local communities should take note of realities like this and commit to perform, initially, the requisite due diligence to create a clear, cogent, and appropriately funded plan accounting for the impending physical, operating, and quality of life factors associated with the emergence of this new industry in north and southeastern Ohio. For more, read the full story here.
