AP News

NJ Senate to vote on fracking byproduct ban

June 25, 2012

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Lawmakers are set to consider a bill prohibiting hydraulic fracturing byproducts created in other states from entering New Jersey.

The Senate is due to vote on the bill Monday.

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 fracking waste from neighboring states, like Pennsylvania, enters New Jersey.

But petroleum council director Jim Benton says fracking is covered under existing state 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.

The Assembly voted 56-19 for the bill last week.

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