Gov. Bev Perdue, D-N.C., has established the Governor's Scientific Advisory Panel on Offshore Energy. The panel will 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 the state's residents. The governor created the panel by signing Executive Order 23.
The panel will analyze and report on the feasibility of tapping offshore energy sources, and identify these resources, benefits and areas of concern. 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.
The panel will also 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.
In addition, Perdue submitted a letter to Secretary of the Department of Interior Ken Salazar, outlining her concerns with a draft proposal on an Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leasing program.
In the letter, the governor expresses concern regarding the coexistence of oil, gas and wind projects. The governor believes the planning process outlined in the draft does not take into consideration future uses of renewable resources in the area.
SOURCE: Office of Gov. Bev Perdue
