More than 200 local residents came out to the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus this weekend for a screening of the new, fact-based documentary “Truthland,” The event, co-hosted by EID, OOGA, the Ohio Energy Resource Alliance, and others, brought together groups ranging from Ohio’s TEA Party to representatives from local labor coalitions. And they were joined by residents, landowners, chamber of commerce representatives and even the mayor of Canton.

The crowd was captivated by the movie which highlighted Shelly’s travels in search of the facts surrounding natural gas development.  In her quest for answers, Shelly traveled to six states, meeting with a number of experts and colorful characters along the way.  If you still haven’t seen the movie, it’s definitely worth watching and can be viewed at www.truthlandmovie.com

Following the screening, a group of local experts gathered to share their views and insights into how the Utica is benefitting Ohio.  The panel was just as diverse as those in attendance and included Canton mayor William Healy, Local 18 organizer Tom Byers and Marietta College professor Ben Ebenhack, among others.  Each panelist discussed issues of importance ranging from the mechanics of energy development to employment opportunities experienced as a result of those activities.

Of course, as Ohioans gathered to celebrate the economic prosperity Utica Shale development has brought to the Buckeye State a group of demonstrators gathered across town to spread fear and mis-information based on the well worn myths put forward by Josh Fox in Gasland.  Led by Fox himself, along with Bill McKibben, these protestors gathered to urge a ban on a process that has been conducted without a single flaw or environmental incident in Ohio while helping to reduce our unemployment rate from 9.2 percent in December 2010 to 7.4 percent today.

READ MORE: (There is also a humorous video about the difference between the two events)

http://www.eidohio.org/a-tale-of-two-events/