Steubenville accepts $1.1 million bid to frack 157 acres of its own land, including two parks

Steubenville, Ohio, has approved a $1.1 million deal to lease 157 acres of its land, including parts of two parks, for fracking operations by Ascent Resources. This decision, made during a city council meeting, highlights the complex balance cities face between economic development and environmental preservation. Fracking, a method for extracting natural gas, has sparked significant debate over its environmental impacts, making this move particularly noteworthy for a community that already struggles with water contamination issues. The approval underscores the tension between immediate financial gains and long-term ecological health.