NJ Senate Approves Fracking Byproduct Ban

Lawmakers have approved a bill prohibiting hydraulic fracturing byproducts created in other states from entering New Jersey.

The Senate voted 30-5 for the bill on Monday. It now heads to Gov. Chris Christie's desk.

Hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, involves blasting chemical-laced water deep into the ground.

Some lawmakers and environmentalists say public health and natural resources would be endangered if fracking waste from neighboring states, like Pennsylvania, enters New Jersey. But petroleum council director Jim Benton says fracking is covered under existing state regulations, and also claims fracking has brought down the cost of energy and provided economic benefits.

Data on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection website shows some fracking waste has already entered New Jersey.

The Assembly voted 56-19 for the bill last week.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)