Schiavoni Co-sponsors Bill In Wake of Lupo Dumping
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- State Sens. Joe Schiavoni and Frank LaRose are introducing legislation to impose tougher penalties for the illegal dumping of waste from oil and gas drilling after a federal charge was filed against businessman Ben Lupo last week. Lupo, who owns D&L Energy Group and Hardrock Excavating, Youngstown, is accused of dumping brine into a tributary of the Mahoning River.
“This legislation sends a clear message that the disregard of our state's oil and gas laws will result in a punishment that is severe,” Schiavoni, D-33 Boardman, said. “There is too much at stake regarding both the benefit to our economy and the risk to our environment for our laws to reflect anything but toughness.”
The bill would stiffen the criminal penalties for violating state oil and gas law relating to the improper disposal, transport and management of brine so the punishment matches federal law. The legislation would also require the state to revoke and deny future permits to any individual or company convicted of illegal dumping.
“Growing industries such as oil and gas have tremendous opportunity to create jobs and spur our economy, but we must balance those interests with the health and safety of Ohioans and our natural resources,” LaRose, R-27 Copley, said. “This legislation puts into place tough penalties for unscrupulous operators like those in Youngstown who choose to endanger the environment and people’s health.”
At a news conference in Youngstown last week to announce the federal charge against Lupo, state Attorney General Mike DeWine called on state legislators to stiffen penalties in dumping cases such as these.
The legislation elevates the crime to a felony and imposes a minimum sentence of three years in prison and a $10,000 fine for anyone who knowingly violates the law. Additional convictions would carry a 6-year minimum sentence and a $25,000 fine.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.