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Kasich To Sign Energy Legislation

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Republican Gov. John Kasich is preparing to sign a sweeping energy bill setting Ohio's new shale-drilling regulations.

Kasich is set to sign the legislation Monday at the headquarters of Echogen Power Systems in Akron.
 
The measure addresses chemical disclosure, well construction and water usage reporting in the developing Utica and Marcellus shale formations running under parts of Ohio. It also adjusts Ohio's renewable energy standard and makes other energy policy changes.
 
Some environmental groups that had remained neutral on the bill turned against it at the last minute, after lawmakers added a provision limiting who can sue energy companies for chemical trade secrets.
 
The administration fought to ensure owners and adjacent neighbors of well properties could file trade secret challenges. Environmentalists argued the language requires others to show harm.