Update: Christie recommends one year fracking ban
Update: Christie has conditionally vetoed the state Legistlature’s fracking ban bill, instead calling for a ban on fracking in the state to be lifted next year
Original report: Gov. Chris Christie’s decision on whether New Jersey will become the first state in the country to ban a natural gas drilling process known as hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” is expected today.
The Republican governor can sign legislation banning fracking, veto the bill or return it to the Legislature with recommended changes.
Christie has not indicated what he plans to do.
The measure is largely symbolic: experts say there’s not enough natural gas under New Jersey to drill for, anyway.
Sen. Bob Gordon, the bill sponsor, says the ban is needed anyway to protect water supplies.
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