Murphy Supports Fracking Ban in DRBC; Now New Jersey and Others Must Enact Legislation to Move Off Fossil Fuels

Washington, D.C. – Today, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced his support for a fracking ban in the Delaware River Basin, as one of the five voting members of the Delaware River Basin Commission.

In response, Food & Water Watch issued the following statement from Executive Director, Wenonah Hauter:

“New Jersey’s new governor, Phil Murphy, has decisively responded to the groundswell of grassroots pressure to ban fracking in the Delaware River Basin. We applaud the move, but there is a great deal more to be done.

“We urge Governor Murphy to strongly oppose fracking waste treatment and water withdrawals from the Delaware River basin, enact a ban on fracking waste, and support state legislation, which is being introduced today, that moves us decisively to 100 percent clean energy by 2035.

“Luckily, we have the framework to achieve this transition: The Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act. This legislation, sponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, provides a roadmap for transitioning to 100 percent clean energy by 2035, with the first 80 percent happening in the next 10 years—the critical window for action. Similar bills are being introduced at the state level around the country, including in Maryland, Virginia, New York and Colorado.

“These bills call for a transition to renewable energy that prioritizes justice, not market schemes like carbon taxes and cap-and-trade schemes that harm low income communities and communities of color.”

“When Food & Water Watch became the first national group to echo the grassroots’ call for a ban on fracking in 2011, we believed it was unsafe for our water. Now, we know fracking and related infrastructure is a non-starter if we want to save our climate. Murphy’s support of a fracking ban in the DRBC is a great step—and the tip of the iceberg for what needs to be done in New Jersey and beyond.”

Food & Water Watch champions healthy food and clean water for all. We stand up to corporations that put profits before people, and advocate for a democracy that improves people’s lives and protects our environment.

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Contact: Darcey Rakestraw, 202-683-2467; [email protected]