Gordon Supports Legislation Against Hydraulic Fracturing

Legislation sponsored by state Senator Bob Gordon (District 38) which would protect New Jersey residents drinking water by preventing the practice of hydraulic fracturing from happening in the state moves on to the full Senate now that the Environment and Energy Committee cleared it Friday.

“The environmental dangers of this procedure and the risks they would pose to New Jersey residents are abundantly clear.  In fact, I believe it poses the greatest risk we have seen to our drinking water in our lifetime.  This is something we simply cannot allow to come to our state,” said Gordon.

According to a statement from Gordon’s office, the bill, S-2576, would prohibit hydraulic fracturing (“hydrofracking”) in New Jersey for the purpose of natural gas exploration or production.  Hydraulic fracturing is the drilling technique of expanding existing fractures or creating new fractures in rock by injecting water with chemicals, sand, or other substances, and under pressure, into or underneath the surface of the rock for purposes including such things as well drilling and natural gas exploration and production.

Although this practice has not occurred in New Jersey, its dangers are well known, the legislation would be a preventative measure “to keep this hazardous process form happening in New Jersey before it ever gets started” said Gordon. If passed, it would represent the first ban of its kind in the nation and Gordon added that it would set an example of environmental protection for the rest of the nation.

In other legislative news, U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg visited a flooded neighborhood in Wayne today calling for federal assistance for the communities hit the hardest by flooding.

A statement from his office this afternoon said Lautenberg who is the Vice Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that funds (FEMA), wrote a letter to President Obama which stated: “Flooding is expected to continue, which will increase damages and raise clean-up and recovery costs. This will be a significant burden for families and local governments that are facing tight budgets.  These communities and our citizens deserve all the support that can be provided.”