Ohio Oil and Gas Commission

The Commission receives and hears appeals of any person claiming to be aggrieved or adversely affected by an order by the Chief of the Division of Mineral Resources Management.

If upon completion of the hearing the Commission finds that the order appealed was lawful and reasonable, it will issue a written order affirming the order. If the Commission finds that the order was unreasonable or unlawful, it will issue a written order vacating the appealed order and issue the order it finds the Chief should have made. The order of the Commission is final unless vacated by the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

The Oil and Gas Commission is a five-member advisory council consisting of five individuals appointed by the governor to a five-year term. Pursuant to Section 1509.35 of the Ohio Revised Code, one of the appointees must be a representative of a major petroleum company, one must represent independent petroleum producers, one must represent the public, one must be classed as learned and experienced in oil and gas law, and one must be learned and experienced in geology.

Not more than three members shall be members of the same political party. Vacancies which may occur mid-term are filled by the governor. The governor may also remove any member for inefficiency, neglect of duty, malfeasance, or nonfeasance in office.

The Commission adopts rules to govern its procedures in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Ohio Revised Code.