Readout of Governor's Call with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke | Eastern NC Now

Governor Cooper and U.S Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke spoke regarding the Department of Interior's 5-year plan for offshore drilling in the Atlantic

ENCNow
Press Release:

    Governor Cooper and U.S Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke spoke regarding the Department of Interior's 5-year plan for offshore drilling in the Atlantic.

    Gov. Cooper emphasized North Carolina's opposition to offshore drilling, inquired about the decision to exempt Florida and explored options to exempt North Carolina as well. Gov. Cooper described North Carolina's $3 billion coastal tourism economy, 22 barrier islands, and millions of acres of estuaries that this plan would put at risk if it were put into practice. Additionally, Gov. Cooper explained North Carolina's history of hurricanes on the coast and the impact they could have on drilling. Sec. Zinke expressed his understanding of opposition to the plan, and said that the Department of Interior would continue receiving input from Gov. Cooper and collecting feedback from various stakeholders in the process. Sec. Zinke agreed to visit and speak to local leaders and North Carolina's congressional delegation.

    Statement from Governor Cooper:

  • "Offshore drilling poses too many risks for North Carolina and our coastal economy. I look forward to the Secretary coming to visit our coast to learn firsthand the importance of tourism and commercial fishing and the damage an oil spill would cause. I will continue to urge Secretary Zinke to grant North Carolina an exemption to drilling similar to the one for Florida."

  • Contact: Ford Porter
  •     govpress@nc.gov

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