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Stuck on Stupid: NJ is believed to have no natural gas reserves worth exploring
Gov. Christie vetoes fracking ban, calls for one-year moratorium instead
Gov. Christie vetoes fracking ban, calls for one-year moratorium instead
Gov. Christie sought to stake out some middle ground Thursday, signing a conditional veto of a bill that would have banned the natural gas extraction process called hydraulic fracturing in New Jersey.
Instead, he wants the Legislature to enact a one-year moratorium.
While the action may seem largely symbolic in a state believed to have no natural gas reserves worth exploring – for now – environmental and industry groups said Christie was sending a strong message, though its meaning depended on the observer’s perspective.
His action, some critics said, signals that the state is unlikely to push for strong regulations as one of the five members of the Delaware River Basin Commission, which oversees the watershed supplying much of the Philadelphia region’s drinking water. The commission has a moratorium on natural gas exploration. That would change after new rules are passed, which could happen next month. (Bauers, The Philadelphia Inquirer)
