
Seismic Tests Not Imminent
The Atlantic is considered a “frontier” for offshore energy exploration as it hasn’t been a target of oil companies since the early 1980s.
The Atlantic is considered a “frontier” for offshore energy exploration as it hasn’t been a target of oil companies since the early 1980s.
The federal government estimates the amount of recoverable oil in the Atlantic at about 4.7 billion barrels. Natural gas stands at 37.5 trillion cubic feet – but nobody knows.
Oil and natural gas come from ancient organisms – tiny plants, algae and bacteria mainly – that were powered by the sun during various stages of Earth’s geologic history.
Jobs in oil and gas production can be highly technical, complex, demanding and, in many cases, come with high-paying salaries.
Proponents of offshore drilling predict that a massive new workforce could be on North Carolina’s horizon if oil and gas resources are tapped in the Atlantic Ocean.
Politicians say states’ investments needed to support offshore oil and gas development warrant revenue sharing but laws must be changed for that to happen.
A federal report done in 1992 highlighted research that needed to be done to better gauge the effects of drilling on the N.C. coast. Nothing ever came of it.
Since the Deepwater Horizon, the oil industry has worked hard to improve the safety of drilling in deep water with better standards, practices and equipment.
The BP Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010 was the worst oil spill in history with lingering effects on the Gulf Coast, but what if it were to happen here?
Who pays for all those people armed with mops and brushes scrubbing beaches or cleaning birds?
If oil or natural gas industry comes to the N.C. coast, it will require infrastructure and service facilities and change the way of life here.
Coastal N.C. residents worry that promises of economic benefits from offshore oil and gas aren’t worth the risks to their proven, primary industry: tourism.