A coalition of environmental groups are seeing red over Governor Chris Christie's veto of a bill that would ban the process of hydraulic fracking. They are no longer sitting still and are taking swift action.

Protesters against fracking
Protesters against fracking (Jason Allentoff, Townsquare Media NJ)
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First, just what is fracking? It's a method of creating fractures below the Earth to facilitate the extraction of oil and natural gas. There are risks involved as the fracking usually uses high volumes of water laced with chemicals, radioactive materials and possible toxic substances.

Environmental groups both in New Jersey and around the United States have been fiercely against the process for the past few years. Supporters feel it could lead to the United States becoming independent in energy production.

Armed with hundreds of signed petitions, about two-dozen people boarded a charter bus Wednesday, heading for several State Legislative Offices. The petitions were dropped off at points around Ocean and Monmouth Counties and those opposed held peaceful protests and rallies complete with banners, signs and chants.

Protesters bus
Bus used by anti-fracking protesters (Jason Allentoff, Townsquare Media NJ)
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Last month Governor Christie vetoed an important bill that could have kept toxic fracking waste out of the state's waterways. If the Legislature votes to override the Governor's veto, the environmentalists can still see it all changed. The bill originally passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.

Kate Millsasps of the Sierra Club says, "We need those legislators to commit to voting yes again on the fracking waste ban bill. Legislators need to put our drinking water before politics and vote for the override."

But Governor Christie was adamant with his decision, saying the Assembly Bill Number 575 was unconstitutional. He said "demanding a complete ban of Fracking is an ill-advised rush to judgment since we are waiting for federal guidance on the issue."

A final draft federal report is expected to be released for public comment and review in 2014.

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