SHALE GAS COMMUNICATIONS PLAN Highlights

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

1. What are our objectives?
Ensure that impacted parties (public, local governments, businesses, etc.) are having their questions and concerns addressed with
clear, accurate information that is provided in a variety of formats.
Earn confidence of the public and stakeholders that the department will continue its mission to ensure a balance between wise use
and protection of the states natural resources.
Define the separate issues of shale gas drilling in Ohio and shale gas drilling in Ohio State Parks.
Provide information to help local governments prepare for managing the changes shale gas exploration will bring to their
communities, as well as educating constituents about the permitting process and environmental safeguards provided by Ohios
regulatory framework.
Prepare the shale drilling industry for navigating the states permitting process, emphasize responsible business practices as well as
inform primary and secondary contractors about expected mitigation, restoration and/or workforce development when applicable.



2. What are the key communications messages?
We understand that there are concerns about the drilling process.
The ODNR has a long history of being wise stewards of Ohios natural resources and that is not going to change.
Ohio has a strong regulatory framework in place to oversee the protection and safety of Ohioans and the environment.
Shale gas exploration and development can help Ohio to get back on its feet through job creation and workforce development.
A regional supply of natural gas will provide lower natural gas costs to Ohio consumers and businesses.
We are supportive of industry growth in the state, but not at the expense of public health, safety and natural resource stewardship.
ODNR is strongly committed to providing an efficient and protective permitting process that balances wise natural resource use with
environmental safeguards.



3. Who is are our target audiences?
General public: Ohioans, landowners, other residents in areas impacted by shale exploration/production.
Local officials (elected and non-elected)
Private sector/suppliers/other business owners
Industry
Media

SHALE GAS COMMUNICATIONS PLAN Highlights
Ohio Department of Natural Resources


4. What materials and activities will be developed to deliver these messages?
A dedicated, comprehensive Shale Natural Gas Web page on the agencys Web site. This will include fact sheets and other related
publications (print-on-demand), video, PowerPoint presentations, and links of interest.
Initial facts sheets will include:
Hydraulic Fracturing, Well-site safety, Flowback/Wastewater, Injection Wells, Ohios Regulatory Framework, Shale Geology, Pipeline
Safety, Oil & Gas Drilling in Ohio, Community Infrastructure and Impact and several targeted to Public Health (Groundwater, Well site
Safety, Air Quality).
PowerPoint presentations that can be fine tuned for a variety of audiences: public meetings, elected official info sessions, and for the
web (i.e. shale gas drilling 101).
Educational forums and Town Hall meetings begin with three regional meetings that will be sponsored by third-party.
Shale Drilling Open Houses
Op-Ed pieces by supportive third-party voices.
PSAs developed in-house on topics such as leasing, Ohios geology, clean and efficient natural gas, etc. These will be posted online
and shared with radio stations.



5. What is our timeline for delivering those messages?
The DNR shale gas web page is scheduled to go live by April 14.
Outreach has already begun with various stakeholders, including environmental groups, elected officials, regional development
groups, higher education institutions.
Educational forums will be scheduled as partnerships expand.



6. What media have we targeted?
Print media across the state with a focus on northern and eastern Ohio.
Industry publications
Web-based news outlets
Expanded outreach, including broadcast media, will occur following the launch of the DNR shale-gas web page
Other Channels for sharing our message:
City government offices (e.g. Division of Motor Vehicles)
Schools, colleges, vocational centers
Libraries
Community and Recreation centers
State and local parks
Community festivals


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