New Jersey Assembly Approves Fracking Waste Treatment Ban
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) - Lawmakers have approved legislation that bans hydraulic fracturing byproducts created in other states from entering New Jersey.
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The Assembly voted 56-19 for the bill Thursday.
Hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, involves blasting chemical-laced water deep into the ground.
Some lawmakers and environmentalists say public health and natural resources would be endangered if waste from processes done in Pennsylvania enters New Jersey.
Wearing a "No fracking" button on his shirt, Paul Carluccio of Ringoes had a lot to say at the Statehouse Thursday about how bad hydraulic fracturing is for us all.
"I can't even begin to list. There's 270 proprietary chemicals that are used in the fracking concoction," he told WCBS 880's Levon Putney.
But Jim Benton, executive director of the petroleum council in New Jersey, told lawmakers last week that New Jersey is capable of addressing the issue through existing regulations. He also says fracking has brought down the cost of energy and provided economic benefits.
Data on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection website show some fracking waste has already entered New Jersey.
Where do you stand on the issue of fracking? Sound off in the comments section below.
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