New Jersey and Fracking

There are currently no fracking operations in New Jersey, but the northwest portion of the state sits above a small gas reserve.

In 2011, the state legislature sent Gov. Chris Christie a bill that would have permanently banned fracking in the state, but he instead issued a conditional veto that created a moratorium on fracking for a single year. That ban has since ended, and there have been no plans for its renewal.

While New Jersey currently remains a frack-free state, it has become a dumping ground for nearby Pennsylvania’s fracking wastewater.

Gov. Christie vetoed two bills, most recently in 2014, which would have prohibited companies from treating, discharging, disposing and storing waste from fracking.

Did You Know?

Despite ongoing opposition from residents and environmental groups, a new 22-mile gas pipeline in the protected Pinelands region is currently up for consideration. The same proposal was rejected in 2014 by the Pinelands Commission, the group tasked with protecting the watershed. However, the pipeline plan has now been allowed to proceed without a new vote from the commission.

Last Updated: September 29, 2015

For More Information:

• Fracking takes toll in Pennsylvania, but New Jersey gets bargain (The Record)
• Gas pipeline left a barren swath through parks and forests of North Jersey (The Record)
• Pinelands pipeline deal reeks of Christie politics as usual (Star-Ledger Editorial Board )