Tech | July 01, 2011 | 75 comments

NJ first state in the U.S. to ban hydrofracking

source: http://www.northcountrygazette.org/2011/07/01/nj_first/

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JanforGore
In an unprecedented and pioneering move, New Jersey’s state legislature became the first in the nation to pass a bill to enforce a statewide ban on a controversial gas drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing or “fracking”. The bill passed the Senate 32-1 and the Assembly 58-11.

“Today, New Jersey sent a strong message to surrounding states and to the nation that a ban on fracking is necessary to protect public health and preserve our natural resources,” said. Sen. Bob Gordon (D-Bergen). “Any benefits of gas production simply do not justify the many potential dangers associated with fracking such as pollution of our lakes, streams and drinking water supplies and the release of airborne pollutants. We should not wait until our natural resources are threatened or destroyed to act. The time to ban fracking in New Jersey is now.”

Fracking involves injecting water, toxic chemicals and sand deep underground to break up dense rock formations and release natural gas. Opponents of fracking cite the high potential for water and air pollution as a leading reason to ban the practice. The Delaware River provides drinking water to approximately 3 million people in New Jersey and this supply could be contaminated if fracking moves forward in the Delaware River Basin. Over 200,000 acres of land in the Upper Delaware River Watershed in Pennsylvania and New York are already under lease for gas drilling.

“Fracking is a man-made disruption to the environment, many times on large-scale proportions,” said Assemblywoman Connie Wagner (D-Bergen). “We’ve already seen a number of eco-casualties from this practice in surrounding states. It would be irresponsible to leave the door open for this practice to be pursued in New Jersey.”

Public opposition to fracking has escalated in recent months, with concerned residents and environmental and consumer advocacy groups campaigning against the practice in New Jersey and the surrounding states, where a gas drilling frenzy has taken hold or is ramping up to begin in the Marcellus Shale, a rock formation which extends up the East Coast. Pennsylvania alone is producing a glut of millions of gallons of fracking wastewater that is being shipped out of state. Gas drilling there is resulting in more than 11 violations of environmental permits per day at well sites, according to PADEP records, causing growing pollution and health problems.

“The New Jersey Legislature is taking the pro-active step of preventing contamination of our drinking water and environment, the only sure way to protect our residents from fracking pollution. This is a great day for the State’s present and future generations,” said Tracey Carluccio, deputy director, Delaware Riverkeeper Network.

New Jersey contains gas bearing shale formations, notably the Utica Shale in northern New Jersey, that could be targeted by energy companies in the new “gas rush”, threatening the State’s drinking water and resident’s health.

In Texas and western states, where fracking has been used for some time, air and water pollution are leading to degraded environmental conditions and reported health problems from residents – concerns which led those living in Dish, Texas, a town located near 11 natural gas compression stations, to hire a private environmental consultant to sample the air. The consultant found that it contained high levels of neurotoxins and carcinogens, including benzene.

A 2011 Cornell University study found that the process of fracking also releases methane, which according to the EPA, is 21 times more damaging as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Similarly, a study released by researchers at Duke University in April found methane levels in drinking water wells near active gas drilling sites at a level 17 times higher than those near inactive ones.

Earlier this year, the U.S. House and Energy Commerce Committee determined that 14 oil companies had injected 780 million gallons of fracking chemicals and other substances into U.S. wells between 2005 and 2009. This included 10.2 million gallons of fluids containing known or suspected carcinogens. The companies, however, are not required to disclose the chemicals in fracking fluid, which they claim should be protected as a “trade secret”. They are also exempt from portions of seven major federal environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act.

Scientists at the Endocrine Disruption Exchange who tested fracking fluids found that 25 percent can cause cancer; 37 percent can disrupt the endocrine system; and 40 to 50 percent can affect the nervous, immune and cardiovascular systems.

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75 comments // NJ first state in the U.S. to ban hydrofracking

  • dreamsofgreen
  • erin13
    • 0
      erin13  

    • Shocking -- that my NJ legislature did something right. Thank God they banned this practice. Friends of mine in PA weren't so lucky. They sold their land to an oil developer, and as it turns out, yes, they discovered oil there. Now, if you turn on their faucet in the kitchen sink, and light a match near it, it ignities. Fracking is poisonous to living things.....so here are some "snaps" for the NJ legislature, for getting it right.....

    • 11 months ago
  • AJILIVIZION
  • artemis6
  • PigFarmington
  • artemis6
    • 0
      artemis6  
    • PigFarmington:

      If sun and wind were harvested , it would shift power production from centralized ( big price gouging corporations ) to local , ( you make your own ) . Do you see why they fight so hard and try to discredit these options now ? They are game changers and they give us our rightful advantage .

    • 11 months ago
  • David_H
  • artemis6
    • 0
      artemis6  
    • David_H:

      Indeed . My dad tells me of when he lived in Japan as a kid . The place was rife with water wheels on the mountain streams ..... free energy , local energy . These corporate death grips have got to END !

    • 11 months ago
  • David_H
  • artemis6
    • 0
      artemis6  
    • David_H:

      IF you own your own property , look up sunfish . It is easy and for 4000.00 , you can have a complete system , 3 solar panels and one wind turban , plug and play . They also have a 8 hour back up e backup storage system , for smoothing out energy flow . If we all got off grid , it would be fun to see their faces ....

    • 11 months ago
  • David_H
  • artemis6
  • EthicalVegan
  • alexsmith01
    • +1
      alexsmith01  

    • Any benefits of gas production simply do not justify the many potential dangers associated with fracking such as pollution of our lakes, streams and drinking water supplies and the release of airborne pollutants.

      works for me come on other states step up to the plate be a man and do what is right.

    • 11 months ago
  • Dusty_King
  • Joeydee44
  • wynnmeg61
  • GRC54
    • +3
      GRC54  

    • Leave it to the only companies in the world to frack up the planet and not be responsible to clean it up.
      NJ you are in the lead on this one. Yes we need the Gas but we don't need the pollution that comes with it unless you clean up your act.
      We the People are worth more than any amount of cheap Gas they can frack out of the ground.
      Do you hear me you fools in Washington!!!!!

    • 11 months ago
  • David_H
  • wynnmeg61
    • 0
      wynnmeg61  
    • David_H:

      Sad but True, too many people have no idea how they are being represented or not being represented, they just recognize a name and vote for that person. It really is a shame.

    • 11 months ago
  • Frosty46
    • +2
      Frosty46  

    • With enough spilled chemicals and oil to fuel the planet for a year and poison half the planet New Jersey bans fracking---will the irony of today's news ever stop dazzling us?

      Now if they could rid themselves of that 30 ton pigboy governor they'd be on the road to recovery-------

    • 11 months ago
  • oboith
    • 0
      oboith  

    • It's not like they didn't already have a problem, but it's never too late to do the right thing. Maybe the hackers snuck in with a clandestin' suggestion.

    • 11 months ago
  • percipi224
  • haberzet
    • +1
      haberzet  

    • Finally some good news. I'm surprised it came from NJ. I think I have to change my opinion about the state. There are not just numb nuts like Snooky and Christy living in NJ. Although I still hold my breath until Christy signed it into law. Who knows he might just have a change of heart (or exchange of money) and veto the whole thing.

    • 11 months ago
  • Frosty46
  • Dusty_King
  • wynnmeg61
  • ithink
    • +1
      ithink  

    • Christy probably has,nt got the check yet and maybe the gas people think he would,nt be able to help them out on this one.Be aware Chris when they hit you with the check is mail thing it could mean your shot at fame is fading

    • 11 months ago
  • letsliveinpeace
  • jackshin
  • timetide
  • JanforGore
    • +1
      JanforGore  
    • jackshin:

      Actually, he did come out against the pipeline they were attempting to build through part of NJ to pipe gas to NY. He will sign this as he has no other choice. There is such overwhelming resistance to it that to go against it in any way would not be good for him politically, especially after what he just pushed on this state regarding pensions. He is essentially backed into a corner on this.

    • 11 months ago
  • sue4e3
  • EdJoyProductions
  • SoLeZydeco
  • EdJoyProductions
  • EdJoyProductions
    • +2
      EdJoyProductions  

    • Holy shit! This passed in New Jersey! Hey, Cuomo, don't think the gay marriage thing is going to distract us from the environmental disaster that you are trying to sign on to. NO HYDROFRACKING IN NY!!!!!

    • 11 months ago
  • tlbuffin
  • Stoneyroad
  • COMMONSENSEFORCOMMONGOOD_COM
  • totally_dilapidated
  • Milieu
  • tlbuffin
  • hurleyburly
  • wynnmeg61
  • Gravity_Man
    • +1
      Gravity_Man  

    • This is an eastern shore OUTRAGE this aggression will not stand, man. (p.s. NJ is now moved to the front of the line to get the Ezekiel Engine => 3 moving parts rivals Nuclear Power but zero wastes).

      New Jersey, step up to the plate for Homer #2 any time ya feel like putting everybody else away again. Put the CloudSeeder up against the wall.

      It's a good feelin' to be the Winner. Hammer your enemies.

    • 11 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
    • 0
      Gravity_Man  
    • Gravity_Man:

      STAND UP NEW JERSEY STAND UP ASSUME YOUR PLACE AT THE TABLE SHAKE OFF YOUR WOULD-BE MASTERS WHO TELL YOU NOT TO BUILD MY ENGINES STAND UP TO THE TYRANTS WHO ORDER YOU AROUND LIKE CHATTEL STAND UP TO THE CALL OF ENERGY FREEDOM STAND UP LIKE FREE MEN AND WOMEN SHAKE OFF YOUR OPPRESSORS FLY FREE OF THE YOKE OF ENGLAND THAT MOVED ITS BASE OF OPERATIONS TO AMERCAN SOIL.

    • 11 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
    • 0
      Gravity_Man  
    • Gravity_Man:

      NEW JERSEY THE HOME OF THOMAS ALVA EDISON => DON THE HELMET OF WARFARE YOUR WOMEN ARE UNDER ATTACK CHARGE THE WALL AND BREAK THROUGH SHARPEN YOUR SWORDS LIGHT THE LANTERNS CHASE THE BEAST OFF OF YOUR SOIL THE ONE IN TEXAS WHO CLAIMS THERE IS NO MAGIC WAND ENERGY HE IS ONLY A MAN AND MEN LIE.

    • 11 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
  • Gravity_Man
    • 0
      Gravity_Man  
    • Gravity_Man:

      Last week Tesla Corporation announced they are ceasing building the Tesla Roadster this is NOT NECESSARY THEY NEED MY ENGINE stand up keep Tesla but with the right engine on July 5th drive toward REAL ENERGY FREEDOM IT CAN BE DONE IT WILL BE DONE. SHAKE OFF THE SCUM TEXAN.

    • 11 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
    • 0
      Gravity_Man  
    • Gravity_Man:

      AIM YOUR MISSILES AT CRAWDORD TEXAS AND PRESS EVERY RED BUTTOM IN THE ROOM ERADICATE THE POISON WHO DARES ORDER YOU ABOUT HE IS THE HOUSE OF ENGLAND ARE YOU BLIND?!?!

      DAMN IT.

      CAN'T YOU RECOGNIZE A MORTAL ENEMY KILLING YOUR FAMILY, YOUR WOMEN RAPED, YOUR CHILDREN SLAUGHTERED? MUSLIM TERROSRISTS 15,000 MILES AWAY ARE NOT YOUR ENEMY => THE SCUM IN CRAWFORD TEXAS IS HE. HE SITS THERE LAUGHING AT YOU WHILE WRITING HIS MEMOIRS HOW GREAT A PRESIDENT HE WAS HE'S SCUM FILTH IS THE SPAWN OF SATAN INCARNATE WHO CALLED MY ENGINES "MAGIC WAND ENERGY" BECAUSE HIS PEA-SIZED BRAIN CAN'T UNDERSTAND THEM... DOOMING YOUR BEAUTIFUL NEW JERSEY WOMEN TO CONTINUED SLAVERY STAND UP BREATHE THE AIR OF TRUE AND COMPLETE 100% ENERGY FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE FROM KING GEORGE.

      OR REMAIN SLAVES OF TEXAS OIL.

    • 11 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
    • 0
      Gravity_Man  
    • Gravity_Man:

      Slaves stand at fuel pumps in the cold biting wind of a New Jersey morning. I know. I've been there. I driove a truck through NJ I know how cold it is without a thyroid to my name => I KNOW THE COLD HTTING YOUR WOMEN PUMPING FUEL, IN THE MORNING. I KNOW.

      I KNOW. I KNOW YOUR PAIN. I ALSO KNOW YOUR SLAVERY.

    • 11 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
    • 0
      Gravity_Man  
    • Gravity_Man:

      Freedom is an empty glass when it demands combustion pollution be swallowed every day. I KNOW TRUE FREEDOM AND IT'S GLORIOUS. None of you know Freedom like I have.

      The combustion engine is made backwards.

      When it's turned around correctly it only has 3 moving parts and rivals Nuclear Power, and produces zero wastes. Until you have what I have you have NO RIGHT to celebrate on July 4th of any year. Your celebration of Freedom is a lie when your wife is tethered to a gas pump in the cold.

    • 11 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
  • David_H
  • Gravity_Man
  • Gravity_Man
  • AJILIVIZION
    • 0
      AJILIVIZION  
    • Image
    • Gravity_Man:

      Calm down for DOG's sake! When writing for a public forum, its important to consider the audience; like guessing how much knowledge others might have on what your saying. Otherwise, you come off as a little looney, spouting off about things no one else knows about.

    • 11 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
  • Gravity_Man
    • 0
      Gravity_Man  
    • AJILIVIZION:

      Why do you have this ILLUSION anything written here is going to cause one single domino to fall? There isn't a proverbial SNOWBALL's CHANCE IN HELL NEW JERSEY WOULD TAKE ME UP ON MY OFFER.

      AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN, THAT'S WHY I OFFERED FOOL.

      I just wanted to go on official record I did field the ball toward them, that's all. There's no way they'll call my cards, no way. Everyone on the planet knows I'm not a trained scientist or engineer so there's no way I could EVER come up with an engine to rival Nuclear Power with only 3 moving parts.

      Feed the dog, roll over, snooze.

    • 11 months ago
  • David_H
  • Gravity_Man
  • Gravity_Man
    • 0
      Gravity_Man  
    • David_H:

      I'm counting on liars remaining liars, thieves remaining thieves, and people not trusting my words to continue distrusting my words. Now hush. You're drawing too much unwanted attention to yesterday's posts.

    • 11 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
    • 0
      Gravity_Man  
    • David_H:

      btw, your last sentence? That's the opposite for inventors, for your future reference. We get ultra cocky when we hold every card in the deck and our opponent holds none. Now. The offer's tabled, offer's refused, I'm off the hook, everything's COPACETIC => the United States cannot ever claim I didn't offer the engine.

      See how that works? I'm like the apostle Paul now: "free of the blood of all men" yet my engine remains my own. Now you got it. Win-Win-Win.

    • 11 months ago
  • AJILIVIZION
    • 0
      AJILIVIZION  
    • Gravity_Man:

      The objective is not to only write about what everyone else already knows, rather to tell them new information in a way that they can comprehend. In general, you're talking about personal experiences in a way that make it seem like you want everyone to think your light-years ahead of them. You've been commenting on Current for as long as I can remember, and yet, I still feel like I don't understand any of what you have actually been through, in the midst of doing, or what you are capable of. From my point of view, it seems like your letting your emotions take you for a ride, and with all the excitement, you just unleash a furry of words on Current. Some of it sounds interesting. I wish I knew what you were trying to say. Thats all.

    • 11 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
    • 0
      Gravity_Man  
    • AJILIVIZION:

      My engines use the Laws of Physics. Years ago I began to saying they ran on "Physics Fuel". Before that, around 2004, I was calling it "IMITATION ENERGY", which I imagined people would EASILY make the connection to artificial imitation sugar. Obviously these simple simple names were light years over their head so I never got any support.

      But I did draw fire from Bushie's hired men...

      I don't want people to "think" I'm light years ahead, but the engines are. I've been inventing while very ill. I've had everything. I even went 3 years non-stop being waterboarded from several nasal lumps that caused a fluid-like vibration both inhale and exhale so after all the high bp & cancers & Lyme's and everything else I'm a little punchy. I've been in this ring for 22 years.

      Rocky has nothing on me. Nor the Russian. That's not bragging that's just the facts. I literally have had "everything". Parkinson's, Alzheimer's both took turns at me. With no thyroid my immune system hardly works and I easily get coagulated blood from hypothermia even below 78 degrees in my apartment.

      If New Jersey wants to make a Quantum Leap jump they can, but they won't because they're puppets no less so than Obama. My offer I knew ahead of time NO MATTER WHETHER I PRESENT IT SANE OR INSANE... THEY CAN'T TAKE THE OFFER.

      THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED. Bush wasn't the only one. He was just another in a long string of puppets. The Group Political Anti-Christ is running everything. They have been for 9 1/2 decades. No State can build my glorious engines. Not even if I hired you to write better.

      Now. Get used to bleeding.

    • 11 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
  • Gravity_Man
    • 0
      Gravity_Man  
    • AJILIVIZION:

      I got a plastic rocket as a young fellow, powered by combining baking soda with vinegar. It's a wonder it hadn't killed me. That rocket had sum kinda power. What if you could duplicate that in a car engine, except instead of one time and out of fuel you could do it over & over?

      Well, you can, but using steam plus compressed air. I've explained it many times. Had you stuck with me instead of skipping like a rock whenever I mentioned the Bible you would be very knowledgeable. Ditto for everybody else here.

      The steam is a catalyst to the air and the air is a catalyst to the steam. Together they make an exponential Power, and nobody needs crude oil out of the ground for vehicles anywhere on Earth. The engine is enclosed, which means the oil used never has to be replaced... because it never gets dirty.

      Anyway, my last engine is better. It has elements of the above engine plus elements of the Pantone GEET engine. But there's a newcomer now and his engine is right good too. It uses what "they" want => combustion. So my offer can easily be turned down WITH NO HARM TO YOU, but by offering it anyway I relieve myself of any future allegations I withheld it to anyone's harm.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MBYg1NPzMY

    • 11 months ago
  • JanforGore
    • +2
      JanforGore  

    • I'm hoping the gas pipeline that was to be constructed through my town will now be voided as a result of this vote. I'm happy about this. NJ has at least been consistent on environmental issues.

    • 11 months ago
  • nikonwilly
    • +2
      nikonwilly  

    • Way to go New Jersey !!!
      This procedure is so freaking bad ....this just shows you how evil these bastards really are....what they will do for a larger profit and how absolutely unconcerned they are about anyone except their freaking wealth.

    • 11 months ago
  • meesh76
  • cool0ne
  • hurleyburly
  • timetide
  • EdJoyProductions
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