ATLANTIC BEACH, N.C. -- Citing threats to North Carolina’s fragile coastal environment and coastal economy, Gov. Roy Cooper today announced his firm opposition to the Trump administration’s plan to open the mid-Atlantic to offshore drilling.
"There is a threat looming over this coastline that we love and the prosperity it brings, and that's the threat of offshore drilling," Cooper said. "As governor, I'm here to speak out and to take action against it. I can sum it up in four words: Not off our coast."
Federal officials are currently considering whether to issue permits that will allow seismic testing for oil and gas reserves off the coastline. Cooper pledged to send comments opposing the permits by the Friday deadline.
Governor Cooper’s statement is a marked contrast to the position of his predecessor. Gov. Pat McCrory strongly endorsed offshore drilling throughout his administration, even though dozens of communities along the coast and inland passed anti-drilling resolutions in 2014 and 2015.
“Today Governor Cooper sent a strong, clear message to the Trump administration and the fossil fuel industry that our coast is not for sale,” said Erin Carey, Coastal Coordinator for the NC Sierra Club. “The natural beauty and economic engine North Carolina’s coast represents is worth more than potential profits for oil companies. We thank Governor Cooper for his leadership and we support him in protecting our fragile marine ecosystem and our thriving coastal communities.”
The news was heartening, too, to Seacoast Sierrans who have long fought offshore exploration and drilling.
“Working every day with my family’s crabbing business in Smyrna, I can see that a clean and healthy coast is vital to our economy and to the families who come to enjoy our beautiful beaches,” said Penny Hooper, who is also conservation chair of the club’s Croatan Group, based in Carteret County. “We are glad that Governor Cooper has taken a strong leadership position to protect the Atlantic coast from the threat of offshore drilling.”
In March of last year, drilling opponents were delighted when President Obama removed the mid-Atlantic from the five year offshore drilling plan. But Trump signed an executive order in late April to review the plan with the goal of expanding drilling to include parts of the Atlantic.
In addition, federal authorities are considering whether to permit seismic testing for oil and gas reserves off North Carolina’s shores. Seismic testing is believed to be harmful to marine mammals. Though seismic testing is conducted in public waters, companies’ test results are not available to the public.
Today’s event took place at the site of the annual Hands Across the Sands event at Fort Macon beach. Over the past several years, Sierrans and other concerned citizens have joined hands across the beach to express their support for protecting our coast.
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