Panel OK’s Bill to Keep Fracking Waste Out of NJ

New Jersey lawmakers have approved legislation banning hydraulic fracturing byproducts from other states from entering the state.

The Assembly's Environment Committee voted 5-1 for the measure, aimed especially at neighboring Pennsylvania, Thursday afternoon. It now heads to the full Assembly.

The Senate's Environment committee approved a similar measure last week, and voted earlier this year to ban the practice known as fracking.

Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection shows waste from Pennsylvania has gone to facilities in Elizabeth, South Kearny and Carteret.

Business and petroleum groups oppose the ban. They say fracking has brought down energy costs and boosted the economy, and existing regulations cover fracking waste.

Environmental groups rallied earlier in the day against fracking, saying the process and its byproducts are dangerous.