New Ohio license plates | News

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources' (ODNR) Division of Geological Survey is pleased to announce a new license plate that will fund further research and outreach on the state's geology.

Sales of the new Ohio Rocks! license plates will benefit a newly created earth science education and outreach fund. This new fund will issue a number of grants to earth science students at Ohio colleges and universities each year for continued research on Ohio's geology.

"These funds will help train a new generation of geologists getting degrees in Ohio," said Mac Swinford, interim chief of the Division of Geological Survey. "With these grants, young people can study and learn more about Ohio geology."

A portion of the funds will be dedicated to providing educational outreach to Ohio's K-12 schools in support of earth science. For example, funding can be used to help continue the Division's very popular rock-and-mineral kit program.

This funding will benefit a wide spectrum of Ohioans, such as users of state parks, sportsmen, educators and homeowners as well as the extractive industries. The slogan "Ohio Rocks!" on the license plate points to both the beauty of Ohio's geology and the message that Ohio is a great place to live.

The new plates can be ordered from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles at www.oplates.com  and at local deputy registrars.