State Creates Hotline For Oil And Gas Emergencies

Ohio Governor John Kasich has ordered the creation of a hotline for oil-and-gas emergencies, and authorized two state departments to start setting it up. The executive order follows his veto last year of budget language that sought to streamline reporting of spill, fires, explosions and other emergencies.Rick Simmers, oil and gas chief at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, says the new system will allow multiple state entities to coordinate and respond more quickly. ODNR and the Ohio Department of Commerce are authorized to begin devising the system's rules. ODNR technical experts will help the Division of State Fire Marshal, EPA and Public Utilities Commission at the toll-free hotline at 1-844-OHCALL1, or 1-844-642-2551.