Governor McCrory Testifies Before Congressional Committee On President Obama's Offshore Energy Plan | Eastern NC Now

    Washington, D.C.     Governor Pat McCrory was in our nation's capital today to express his support for environmentally safe and responsible offshore energy exploration before Congress. The governor addressed the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Energy and Mineral Land Resources Subcommittee hearing titled "Examining the Future Impacts of President Obama's Offshore Energy Plan."

    "Energy development is good for the country's energy independence and good for North Carolina jobs and future careers," Governor McCrory said. "Let's get this process started now."

    Congressman Richard Hudson introduced the governor at the hearing. The committee unanimously consented to allow Congressman Hudson to participate since he is not a member.

    Expounding on his support for exploration, Governor McCrory cited how he has met extensively with coastal communities to discuss and explain the risks and potential that come with offshore energy exploration.

    The governor also cited a recent study showing that by 2035 new access to offshore energy resources could generate more than 55,000 jobs and $3 billion in annual spending within the state.

    However, he said, prior to any lease sale or resource development, North Carolina must update decades-old geological and geophysical information through new seismic imaging. He called on the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to complete its review of the permit applications for seismic surveys by the end of this year.

    Governor McCrory lamented that the state cannot support offshore energy development without equitable revenue sharing with participating coastal states. He also pointed out that the Draft Proposed Program currently imposes a 50-mile buffer for the Mid and South Atlantic Planning Areas, unnecessarily placing much of North Carolina's most accessible undiscovered resources under lock and key. Based on seismic data collected in the 1980s, application of the 50-mile buffer could put out of play as much as 40 percent of North Carolina's potential offshore resources.

    "North Carolina's coastline is unique and merits individual consideration when determining appropriate exclusion zones," the governor said.

    During the testimony, the governor also requested the addition of multiple lease sales earlier in the Five-Year Program. Holding at least two lease sales would make Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf development more economical by providing the incentive for Atlantic coastal states to improve their infrastructure and support services, as safe and economic oil and gas production relies upon an extensive amount of coastal infrastructure.

    "North Carolina stands ready to make the necessary investments that will help America move closer to energy independence," Governor McCrory said. "But before those investments can be made, we need a clear commitment from the federal government on revenue sharing, Atlantic lease sales and a long-term energy plan that the states can depend on."

    Click here to read Governor McCrory's full written testimony.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov