Assemblywoman is also Sponsoring a Resolution that will be Considered Thursday to Stop the Project
Assemblywoman Mila Jasey joined with the Coalition to Stop Pilgrim Pipeline (CAPP) at a meeting on Monday night at the Library of the Chathams to inform residents of the dangers of transmitting volatile Bakken crude oil through a proposed 178-mile pipeline, which would run through a handful of towns in the 27th legislative district.
The pipeline would transport oil obtained through hydraulic fracturing (fracking) of Bakken shale in North Dakota from Albany, NY to a refinery in Linden, NJ and then back to be sent overseas.
“This project is wrong for New Jersey on so many levels,” said Jasey (D-Essex/Morris). “There is no financial benefit to our state and the risks are tremendous, threatening public health and safety and desecrating our land. I hope more residents will get informed and join us in the fight to stop this reckless project from invading our backyards.”
The proposed pipeline would run through 30 New Jersey communities, including five towns in the 27th legislative district – Chatham Township, Chatham Borough, Madison, East Hanover, Florham Park and Livingston. All but one of these communities has adopted resolutions opposing the pipeline and denying access to public lands.
Jasey noted that the pipeline is proposed to run through the Buried Valley Aquifer located in Chatham Township, which is an important water source for surrounding communities. The proposed route of the pipeline also impacts a tributary to the Hudson River, the Highlands, which is the single greatest water supply source in New Jersey, the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and numerous schools, parks, recreation and other public facilities.
Jasey is one of the lead sponsors of a resolution (AR-191) seeking to end the project, which will be considered by the Assembly State and Local Government Committee on Thursday. The resolution also asks that the United States Army Corps of Engineers, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council, and every other federal, state, or local entity reviewing the project to reject it altogether.
“Ultimately, the Pilgrim Pipeline poses a major risk to all New Jerseyans, but especially those living in municipalities that lie in its path. Our drinking water must be kept safe and our public land, neighborhoods, and homes must continue to be protected and preserved. As neighbors, we all have to stand together to do everything we can to stop this,” added Jasey.
Jasey noted that CAPP will also be holding another informational hearing at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland on Thursday, December 11, at 7 pm, which she will also be attending.