Phil Murphy’s Fracking Flip-Flop

June 16, 2017

In New Jersey, former Goldman Sachs Executive and Democrat gubernatorial nominee Phil Murphy is working hard to present his campaign as anti-fracking, even going as far to call for a permanent ban on fracking at the Delaware River Basin. But a quick look at Murphy’s record shows a major flip-flop on the issue, giving New Jersey voters a good reason to be wary of his newfound stance.

In 2013, before Murphy was attempting to buy the governorship, he gave a speech in Germany in which he praised the benefits of fracking:

“But he [Murphy] also came under fire from his opponents for a 2013 speech he gave in Germany in which he spoke glowingly about the benefits of hydraulic fracturing, or ‘fracking,’ a controversial process of extracting natural gas opposed by many environmental groups.” (Dustin Racioppi, “Murphy, Democratic Front Runner, Earned From Pipeline Companies He Now Opposes,” NewJersey.com, 5/15/2017)

And for many years, Murphy has profited off companies that engage in fracking, holding numerous investments, and has refused to offer an explanation on why he suddenly had a change of heart:

“Murphy’s vast investment portfolio includes more than three dozen oil, energy and chemical companies, according to his financial disclosure with the state Election Law Enforcement Commission. The list includes the member companies of the controversial PennEast Pipeline proposal to build a 36-inch pipe carrying natural gas across a 115-mile route from Pennsylvania to Mercer County. It is a project that Murphy, as well as other Democratic candidates for governor, and environmental groups oppose. While Murphy has changed his tune on fracking, he has not yet given a clear answer on his investments. While Murphy has changed his tune on fracking, he has not yet given a clear answer on his investments.” (Dustin Racioppi, “Murphy, Democratic Front Runner, Earned From Pipeline Companies He Now Opposes,” NewJersey.com, 5/15/2017)

Murphy’s shameless flip-flop on fracking gives further proof that he will say or do anything to win – including misleading New Jersey voters.