House Bill 235 Written Opponent Testimony — Ohio Oil and Gas Association (May 31, 2022)

Summary

This is written opponent testimony on House Bill 235 to the Commerce and Labor Committee, dated May 31, 2022, from Rob Brundrett, President of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association (OOGA), addressed to Chairman Dick Stein. OOGA describes itself as a statewide trade association formed in 1947 whose industry employs more than 208,000 Ohioans. The testimony argues that the bill creates a government-mandated labor quota system forcing refineries to hire only contractors or subcontractors who took part in specific apprenticeship programs. It says refineries need flexibility to hire the most experienced and safest contractors. OOGA urges the committee members to vote no on House Bill 235.

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Full text

May 31, 2022

The Honorable Dick Stein
Chairman
Commerce and Labor Committee
77 S. High St., 12th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215

RE: House Bill 235 Written Opponent Testimony

Dear Chairman Stein:

The Ohio Oil and Gas Association (OOGA) is a statewide trade association formed in 1947
representing both independent conventional producers and large independent horizontal
operators exploring Ohio’s shale play. OOGA membership also consists of midstream and
downstream companies all playing an important role in the exploration, production, processing,
transportation and refining of Ohio’s oil and natural gas.

Our industry employs more than 208,000 Ohioans that provide affordable, abundant energy for
all our state’s citizens. Our members are committed to doing the job in a manner that is safe for
both their fellow industry workers and the people they serve.

House Bill 235 creates a government mandated labor quota system, forcing Ohio refineries to
hire only certain contractors or subcontractors who participated in specific apprenticeship
programs. This law requires refineries to hire these individuals even if they are not the best
equipped to handle the position. House Bill 235 would create a dangerous precedent – allowing
government to step into the shoes of an employer and dictating who is best suited for a job.

Work inside a refinery is highly technical and specialized. Refineries need flexibility to hire the
most experienced and safest contractors available to perform work inside the facility.
Handcuffing the employer and limiting the available pool of eligible workers will potentially cause
issues regarding work timeframes and more importantly may jeopardize health and safety of
workers and contractors.

House Bill 235 is not necessary for Ohio’s oil and gas industry. The bill will only add challenges
to an already challenged industry. Instead of working against our refineries, government should
be working with them to help craft good energy policy.

Thank you for the opportunity to share our thoughts on the bill. We would urge the committee
members to vote no on House Bill 235. You can contact me with any questions at
rob@ooga.org.
Sincerely,




Rob Brundrett
President




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