The Franklin County Board of Elections has rejected placing an anti-fracking measure on the Columbus ballot this fall.
The so-called "Columbus Community Bill of Rights" would have banned fracking within city limits. Columbus City Council last month voted to place the issue on the November ballot. Board members say the measure appears to violate Ohio law, which gives the state the right to regulate oil and gas drilling. Board members say they acted under a statute requiring them to determine whether an initiative falls within the scope of a city's authority. Opponnets say the courts, and not the board, should decide whether the measure is legal.
