Gov. Perdue Establishes Offshore Energy Advisory Panel
Press Release
Gov. Perdue also urges federal secretary to heed states' concerns
Gov. Bev Perdue today announced the establishment of the Governor's Scientific Advisory Panel on Offshore Energy. The panel will thoroughly examine the state's offshore energy resources, including oil, gas, wind and other renewable resources, and will make recommendations to ensure that North Carolina's offshore resources are used for the benefit of all its citizens. The Governor created the panel by signing Executive Order 23.
"The North Carolina coast is home to an abundance of natural resources -- some of which have the potential to be tapped as energy sources. As we research this potential for national and state use, I intend to make sure sound science and a thorough examination of the risks and benefits drive our decisions," said Perdue. "It is imperative that North Carolina have the opportunity to share in the profits and not limit our options to pursue alternative energy solutions such as wind power."
The panel will analyze and report on the feasibility of tapping offshore energy sources, and identify the benefits and areas of concern about these energy resources. Members will study current laws, rules, processes and procedures that affect the use of offshore energy resources, such as federal leasing programs, state and federal permitting programs, and local zoning and ordinances. Also, the panel will evaluate federal proposals to use North Carolina's offshore energy resources, including any proposals from the U.S. Minerals Management Service for offshore oil and gas lease sales.
Additionally today, the Governor submitted a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, outlining her concerns with the Draft Proposed 5-Year Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2010--2015. They are:
The lack of information surrounding which coastal areas are under consideration for energy exploration.
The federal government has not resolved the issue of revenue sharing for North Carolina and other East Coast states.
The planning process does not take into consideration potential future uses of renewable sources of energy in the same areas. The governor is committed to exploring all offshore energy sources including wind and other renewable resources.
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