Bill Text: NJ A1328 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Prohibits drilling technique of hydraulic fracturing.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-01-09 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee [A1328 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2018-A1328-Introduced.html
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
218th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2018 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman REED GUSCIORA
District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblymen Johnson and Benson
SYNOPSIS
Prohibits drilling technique of hydraulic fracturing.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.
An Act concerning certain drilling techniques and supplementing P.L.1985, c.432 (C.13:1M-1 et seq.).
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The Legislature finds and declares that the practice of the drilling technique of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas exploration and production has been found to use a variety of contaminating chemicals and materials that can suddenly and in an uncontrolled manner be introduced into the surface waters and ground water of the State; that the companies engaging in the use of this drilling technique have been less than forthcoming in revealing the "cocktail" of chemicals and their volume that can be introduced into these waters; that in June 2010, there occurred an incident of an uncontrolled release of many gallons of contaminated water and natural gas from a hydraulic fracturing drill site in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, and other such accidents are likely to occur; and that other states, including New Jersey's neighbor, New York, are considering banning the drilling technique.
The Legislature therefore determines it is prudent and in the best interest of the people of the State of New Jersey to prohibit hydraulic fracturing in the State for the purpose of natural gas exploration or production.
2. a. No person may use the drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing in the State for the purpose of natural gas exploration or production.
b. As used in this act, "hydraulic fracturing" means the drilling technique of expanding existing fractures or creating new fractures in rock by injecting water, often with chemicals, sand, or other substances, and often under pressure, into or underneath the surface of the rock for purposes including, but not necessarily limited to, well drilling and natural gas exploration and production. The term "hydraulic fracturing" shall include "fracking," "hydrofracking," "hydrofracturing," and other colloquial terms for this drilling technique.
3. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill establishes a permanent moratorium on the practice of hydraulic fracturing in the State for the purpose of natural gas exploration or production.
The bill defines "hydraulic fracturing" as the drilling technique of expanding existing fractures or creating new fractures in rock by injecting water and chemicals, sand, or other substances under pressure into or underneath the surface of the rock for the purpose of well drilling or natural gas exploration. It includes "fracking," "hydrofracking," "hydrofracturing," and other colloquial terms for this drilling technique.
