Alumnus appointed to Ohio Department of Natural Resources position

Geology and Environmental Science and Biology alumnus, Richard J. Simmers, has been appointed chief of the Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Simmers, a resident of Stark County, will be responsible for enforcing Ohio's laws related to oil and gas drilling, production, plugging, orphan wells, solution mining, enhanced recovery, gas storage and underground injenction control operations.

Simmers earned a bachelor's degrees in geology and biology and a Master of Science degree in geology from UA.

In a press release by ODNR, Simmers stated, "Leading the Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management is an honor. As chief, my goal will be to effectively and fairly regulate the industry and, above all else, ensure that public safety and protection of the environment are foremost."

Learn more about the Department of Geology and Environmental Science and Department of Biology

ODNR Press Release