Rep. Renacci to Host Fracking Forum at Walsh University

The North Canton community will get a chance to discuss energy development at a public forum hosted by U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci at  next week.

The forum takes place at 6:30 p.m. May 23 inside the university's Barrette Business and Community Center.

“With improvements to the process of extracting natural gas and oil, Ohio has an opportunity to become a major player in the domestic energy game,” Renacci said in a news release.

“That means more jobs for Ohioans and more affordable energy for all Americans. Still, it is important we ensure energy production is undertaken in an environmentally sensitive manner. This forum will bring together a diverse group of experts to speak with the Canton community about what is occurring here in northeast Ohio on the energy front.”

The forum will focus on key aspects of energy development, such as the economic impact and job creation, environmental issues, leasing and landowner issues and the geology and development of the Utica Shale formation. Attendees will also have an opportunity to voice their opinions and ask the panel specific questions.

Confirmed panelists include: Rhonda Reda, executive director of Ohio Oil & Gas Energy Education Program; Robert W. Chase, chair and professor for the Department of Petroleum Engineering and Geology at Marietta College; Dale Arnold, director of Energy, Utility and Local Government Policy at the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation; and Jim McKinney, senior vice president and general manager at EnerVest Operating, L.L.C.

in April, when he visited Kent State University's Stark Campus for the annual Meet Your Congressman Breakfast.