The Environmental Defense Fund says the state's growing shale industry is a major source of methane emissions. It estimates 6,000 tons of the natural gas entered the atmosphere in 2013 from Ohio drill sites. Methane, like carbon dioxide, traps heat in the atmosphere. Environmental Defense Fund spokesman Andrew Miller says Ohio could benefit economically from tighter regulations on methane emissions at shale drilling sites. "In Ohio there are some 13 unique locations for manufacturing and assembly companies located, that we know of today, that are producing the type of technologies and materials necessary to control methane leakage," Miller said.
Williams says Ohio companies can benefit from emission requirements. He identifies thirteen companies that either manufacture or service equipment to reduce methane leaks.