Rejects Wastewater Disposal and Freshwater Extraction in Delaware River Basin Region
January 30, 2019
Trenton, N.J. β In a letter sent to the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) Executive Director, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced he will vote in support of a permanent ban on fracking. As well as and its associated activities. Thatβs including the treatment, discharge, storage and disposal of fracking waste in the Delaware River Basin.Β In orderΒ for a full ban to move forward, a majority of the five DRBC members, which includes governors of Delaware, New York, and Pennsylvania, as well as the Army Corp of Engineersβmust also voteΒ in support.
A statement follows fromΒ Kim Ong, Senior AttorneyΒ at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC):

In conclusion, Governor Murphy taking a courageous stand to defend the drinking water source for over 17 million Americans. Finally, a full ban is protecting peopleβs health from toxic wastewater. Also preserving the regionβs freshwater supplies. So the industry cannot drain them to frack in other parts of the country. They now must be looking to the other governors represented on the Delaware River Basin Commission. Thereby following New Jerseyβs lead.
Conclusion
Governor Murphy’s call for a full fracking ban in the Delaware River Basin marks a significant step towards environmental protection and water resource conservation. By supporting a permanent ban on fracking and its associated activities, including wastewater treatment, discharge, storage, and disposal, Murphy is taking a stand to safeguard the drinking water source for over 17 million Americans.
This move demonstrates a commitment to public health and environmental stewardship. The ban would not only protect against the potential hazards of toxic wastewater but also preserve the region’s freshwater supplies from being depleted for fracking operations elsewhere.
Delaware River Basin Commission
The decision now rests with the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC), where a majority vote is required to implement the full ban. With New Jersey leading the charge, eyes are now on the governors of Delaware, New York, and Pennsylvania, as well as the Army Corps of Engineers, to follow suit.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance economic interests with environmental protection. If successful, it could set a precedent for other regions facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.
The potential ban underscores the power of state-level action in shaping environmental policy and highlights the critical role of interstate cooperation in managing shared water resources. As we move forward, this decision could be a turning point in the ongoing debate over fracking and its environmental impacts.

Source: The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organizationΒ www.nrdc.org.





