Group Asks Legislators To “Get Their Head Out of the Sand’ About Banning Fracking Waste

Environmental group Food and Water Watch is debuting a new spokesperson to call attention to the dangers of waste from hydraulic fracturing and put pressures on local legislators and Governor Christie to pass a ban on the practice.

In Monmouth County, members of the group were at Dean’s Natural Food Market in Shrewsbury, raising awareness about the issue with “Ollie the Ostrich”. Food and Water Watch Education Coordinator Rachel Davis, who also donned the ostrich costume, says they’re asking local legislators to “get their head out of the sand” and acknowledge the problems waste water from fracking will pose.

“We’re urging legislators who haven’t specifically signed on to ensure an override of what we see as a potential veto from Governor Christie to make sure they know their constituents support them in standing strong.”

Specifically Assembly members Declan O’Scanlon, Caroline Casagrande, and Amy Hanlon were listed. Later this summer bill that is expected to go through the assembly and many be vetoed by Governor Christie.

Davis says while some local legislators like Casagrande have expressed opposition for allowing wastewater fracking, it’s important they hold to that if and when Governor Christie is expected to veto the anti fracking bill.

“If a Republican governor vetoes something and Republican Congress people are expected to be in line with that, it’s an issue because this is not a political issue.”

There has been speculation the Governor would sign a conditional veto, provided changes were made to the legislation. However Davis says there are no changes needed at this point.

“There’s no reason for more science. The science is out there, the evidence is proven.”