How Infrastructure Can Unleash Ohio’s Energy Dominance

Pipelines are a critical part of that equation. Without enough pipeline capacity to move natural gas and oil from where they are produced to where they are needed, energy companies can face delays, businesses may be less likely to invest, and economic opportunities can be lost. Those constraints can also increase costs by limiting supply flexibility and reducing market efficiency, with consumers ultimately feeling the effects through energy bills and the broader cost of living.

In many respects, pipelines are no different than highways, railroads, or transmission lines. They are essential infrastructure that allows commerce to occur. Ohio's challenge is not a lack of resources; it is ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with production and demand.

Fortunately, Ohio has no shortage of energy resources.

Thanks to the Utica Shale, the state now ranks among the nation's leading natural gas producers and is the largest oil-producing state east of the Mississippi River. Yet despite sitting atop one of the world's most prolific energy regions, Ohio risks leaving significant economic opportunity on the table if it fails to expand the infrastructure needed to move its resources to market.

The state's energy sector has already delivered significant benefits. According to the Ohio Natural Energy Institute, Ohio's natural gas and oil industry supports roughly 167,000 jobs, and has generated approximately $12 billion in royalty payments to landowners since 2017. These are not projections nor promises. These are tangible economic benefits that have benefitted hardworking families and strengthened communities across eastern Ohio and beyond.

And the momentum continues.

The latest Cleveland State University Shale Investment Dashboard found that Ohio's shale industry attracted nearly $2.9 billion in new investment during the first half of 2025 alone, pushing cumulative investment above $117 billion. At the same time, the federal government recently announced plans for a September 2026 lease sale that could make nearly 2,800 acres within Wayne National Forest available for future oil and natural gas development, underscoring continued interest in Ohio's resource potential.

That growth comes at a time when energy demand is rising rapidly. Across the Midwest, manufacturing reshoring and data center development, are increasing energy needs. Ohio has worked diligently to attract these investments, and affordable and reliable natural gas has been one of the state's greatest competitive advantages.

Maintaining that advantage will require adequate infrastructure. As electricity demand grows, reliable energy delivery becomes increasingly important for manufacturers, data centers, small businesses, and households alike. Whether supporting a major industrial facility or powering homes during the winter, pipeline infrastructure helps ensure energy is available when and where it is needed.

States such as Texas and New Mexico offer a useful lesson. They did not become energy powerhouses simply because they possessed abundant resources underground. They became leaders because they built the pipelines, processing facilities, and transportation networks necessary to support growth and connect resources with consumers and businesses.

Ohio has every opportunity to follow a similar path. Expanding pipeline capacity would help ensure the state can continue attracting investment, supporting existing employers, and maintaining affordable energy for consumers. Just as importantly, it would strengthen Ohio's ability to compete for the next generation of manufacturing and technology investments.

At its core, this discussion is about consumers. Affordable and reliable energy affects nearly every aspect of daily life, from heating homes during Ohio winters to helping small businesses operate and families manage monthly budgets. Energy infrastructure may not always be visible, but its benefits are felt every day, by the people who depend on it.

Ohio has already proven it can compete with the nation's leading energy states. The next step is ensuring the state has the infrastructure necessary to fully capitalize on its success. As manufacturers expand, data centers come online, and energy demand continues to rise, policymakers should recognize that investments in pipeline capacity are ultimately investments in helping Ohio unleash its energy potential and dominance.

The resources are here. The workforce is here. The demand is here. Now Ohio must meet the moment and build the infrastructure for the future.

Zach Kent is Midwest Executive Director for Consumer Energy Alliance, the leading energy and environmental advocate for families, businesses and communities committed to advancing nonpartisan energy policy through affordable, reliable and cleaner energy solutions.