NC says not off our coast - no to offshore drilling!

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The federal government came to Raleigh on Feb. 26 to explain its proposed plan for offshore drilling and seismic testing.

A drizzly day set the mood for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's presentations.

But just outside, a passionate crowd made clear how it feels about drilling off North Carolina's shores!

Happy helpers steered guests between the BOEM meeting and Don't Drill NC's raucous rally.

At least 500 people voiced their concerns, listened to sympathetic speakers, made protest signs, and learned how to help the resistance.

You could show your concern by signing the burning oil rig!

Stickers from the Don't Drill NC groups are a great way to say NO to drilling!

Nakisa Glover from Greenpeace showed her passion and support.

So did the Raging Grannies!

We had a Twitter photo booth. Tweet your feelings using the hashtags #dontdrillnc and #protectourcoast!

With only one hearing planned for North Carolina, coastal residents "bus-pooled" to Raleigh.

They're determined to protect their homes, their livelihoods and the coastal environment!

Naturally, Don't Drill NC bought carbon offsets for the buses!

The next generation of activists were proud participants in safeguarding their homes and futures.

They made signs, demonstrated - and saw how important it is to speak up.

Environmental artistry abounded!

Catchy slogans help people understand and remember the issues.

Speakers like Bob Woodard, chair of the Dare County Board of Commissioners, showed bipartisan opposition.

State Rep. Deb Butler of New Hanover County helped get us fired up!

DEQ Secretary Michael Regan pledged support from himself, Attorney General Josh Stein, and Gov. Roy Cooper!

Dale Hocker from the Sierra Club's Croatan Group described the threats to the environment and the fishing industry.

Lee Nettles of the OBX Visitors Bureau warned of the danger to the coast's $3.4 billion tourism industry.

Audience members responded passionately, chanting "Protect our coast," "No offshore drilling" and more.

More information

You've got until March 9 to file comments with BOEM. Speak up for North Carolina's coast!

The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management held only one hearing in North Carolina on the Trump administration's proposal for offshore drilling - and it was miles from the coast. That didn't deter hundreds of North Carolinians from traveling to the capitol city to voice their concern and shout their opposition to drilling and seismic testing along our coastline. Don't Drill NC, a coalition of 13 environmental groups including the NC Sierra Club, organized a rally to show the strength of our resistance. Elected leaders, businesspeople, coastal residents and inland allies said it with one voice: "NOT OFF OUR COAST!"