Washington County for Safe Drinking Water files complaint against Sen. Chavez

Marietta Times
January 21, 2026
Amber Phipps

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Washington County for Safe Drinking Water announced the filing of an ethics complaint against state Sen. Brian Chavez on Tuesday.

A press release from the organization said the complaint letter was sent to the JLEC (Joint Legislative Ethics Committee).

Legislative Inspector General Tony Bledsoe said Ohio Revised Code 102.06 and 102.07 directly prohibited him from confirming or denying if JLEC had received the complaint.

The letter of complaint, provided by WCSDW and signed by its members, stated Chavez, R-Marietta, violated Ohio’s ethics laws on two occasions: use of the authority or influence of office to seek personal pecuniary benefit and failure to disclose interests in five limited liability companies on two financial disclosure statements.

The basis of the complaint was made from the Ohio Revised Code Section 102.03 which can be viewed at https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-102.03

The complaint stated, “Sen. Chavez serves as the Chair of the Ohio Senate Energy Committee and holds the power to advance legislation that definitely and directly affects his and/or a close family member’s personal pecuniary interest.”

Hillary Royster, spokeswoman for WCSDW, said “The Senator’s conduct, detailed in the complaint, raises serious questions regarding his adherence to the oath of office and potential violations of Ohio Revised Code 102.03.”

The 20-page document details 51 exhibits that range from financial statements from 2023-24 to DeepRock Disposal Solutions LLC Tax Liens for 2025.

“We are hopeful JLEC will review the complaint and act accordingly to help restore the public’s trust in our elected officials’ actions,” said Royster.

The letter of complaint was accompanied by a letter of support from over 10 local groups such as Buckeye Environmental Network, Save Ohio Parks and FaCT: Faith Communities Together for a Sustainable Future.

Ohio Senate Majority Caucus Director of Communications John Fortney said, “These radicalized local groups could care less about ethics, much less safe drinking water, this is another baseless, desperate, and hollow attack funded by billionaire California special interests with the single goal of killing the oil and gas industry in Ohio.”

Contact attempts were made directly to Chavez regarding his knowledge of the complaints and weren’t returned on Tuesday.

“They’re the same people who believe violent criminals and illegal migrants have more rights than you, the same people who attack federal law enforcement, and the same people who loathe the very laws this country was founded on,” said Fortney. “They are anarchists at heart, and are ready to surrender your country, state, and your reliable energy that heats your home.”

The information about the complaint can be found at https://sites.google.com/view/washington-county-safe-water/home

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Editorial Viewpoint

In the Marietta Times article, Mr. Fortney stated:

 “These radicalized local groups could care less about ethics, much less safe drinking water, this is another baseless, desperate, and hollow attack funded by billionaire California special interests with the single goal of killing the oil and gas industry in Ohio.”

“They’re the same people who believe violent criminals and illegal migrants have more rights than you, the same people who attack federal law enforcement, and the same people who loathe the very laws this country was founded on,” said Fortney. “They are anarchists at heart, and are ready to surrender your country, state, and your reliable energy that heats your home.”

Those words are a slap in the face to the people of southeast Ohio. Mr. Fortney has tried to place himself — and the politicians in Columbus and Washington County — on a moral high ground while dismissing the voices of the people who actually live here. On a daily basis Washington County alone receives approximately 5,981,955 barrels of brine waste per year according to the Ohio Department of Resources in 2024 from Ohio, WV, PA and other states. Washington County to date, has 17 operating Brine Water Injection Wells with two newly permitted — one 5000 bpd (barrels per day), the second 5500 bpd or 3,832,500 barrels per year. Adding this amount 3,832,500 barrels to the current amount of 5,981,955, and Washington County will receive 9,814,455 barrels per year or 412,207,110 gallons per year. With three additional wells in the wings.

The reality is simple: This issue is not about oil and gas production. It is about the long-term safety of our water supply. Injection wells pump toxic waste into the ground surrounding our aquifers. If that system fails — and it already has in places — Mr. Fortney will not be the one living with the consequences. We will.

Let me be clear: I support the oil and gas industry. I benefit from the products it provides, just like anyone else. But I can live without oil and gas. I cannot live without clean water. For the writer to reframe this issue as an attack on energy or as the work of “radical outsiders” is dishonest.

The people of southeast Ohio are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for respect, accountability, and above all, the truth. We are not radicals. We are citizens exercising our right to demand answers about the safety of our water, our communities, and our future.

If Mr. Fortney truly cares about the citizens of Southeast Ohio, then listen to the people who live here, not just politicians. Spend time in the communities most directly affected, attend townhalls or City Council meetings that are addressing this issue. See what we see, hear what we hear, and drink what we drink. Only then will he understand why this fight matters.

Until then, please stop using propaganda to silence those whose only demand is for clean and safe water.

Glenn Newman
Member of the MOV Citizens Action Coalition.