Fracking Banned in Middlesex County

The Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders voted unanimously to ban the practice of hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking" in the county, much to the delight of area environmental advocates.

On December 19, the freeholders unanimously voted to ban the controversial natural gas mining procedure, and declared that a copy of the resolution would be sent to all counties in New Jersey, urging them to take similar action, according to a press release from Food & Water Watch.

It the beginning of October, New Brunswick passed an ordinance banning fracking in the city. Highland Park declared their own ban in September. 

Middlesex County is the first county in New Jersey to take a position on fracking, according to the release. 

Environmental advocates petitioned the freeholders two weeks ago, asking them for the county-wide ban, according to the release. 

“We are excited to lead the state on this measure and call on other counties to stand up where Christie has chosen to put his political interests above the health and wellbeing of his constituents," said freeholder Charles Tomaro, in a prepared statement.