Which body has the power to lease mineral interests in Ohio?

The board of county commissioners has the authority to lease mineral interests in Ohio. This power is granted to them because they represent the local interests of the county regarding natural resources. They determine the management and leasing of public lands and resources, which includes mineral rights. This process often involves assessing the best interests of the county and taking into consideration environmental regulations and land use policies.

The other entities mentioned do not possess the same level of decision-making authority regarding county-level mineral interests. The governor, while influential in various decisions, primarily oversees the executive branch of the state but does not directly engage in leasing mineral rights. The state legislature creates laws but does not handle individual leases. The Department of Natural Resources plays a significant role in managing resources and ensuring compliance with relevant laws but does not have the authority to lease mineral interests directly. The leasing decisions are more localized, which is why the board of county commissioners is the correct choice in this context.