Gov. Pat McCrory told oil executives in Houston that North Carolina is ready to get into the energy business.
News Briefs
Public Hearings on Flood Zone Repeal
The state Division of Coastal Management will hold public hearings in each of North Carolina’s oceanfront counties to gather comments on a proposal to repeal the High Hazard Flood Area of Environmental Concern.
BOEM Defends 50-Mile Buffer
Barring offshore drilling rigs within 50 nautical miles of the Southeast coast would provide an environmental buffer, accommodate the needs of the military and commercial fishing and give potential wind farms room to develop, the director of the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said.
Land Trust Adds to Carteret Preserve
The N.C. Coastal Land Trust purchased 50 acres from the East Carolina Council of Boy Scouts of America for its Gales Creek Nature Preserve at Camp Sam Hatcher, between Cape Carteret and Morehead City in Carteret County. The nature preserve is now more than 250 acres.
No Target Shooting at Game Land
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has halted target shooting at the Holly Shelter and Stones Creek game lands in Pender and Onslow counties, effective immediately, citing habitat destruction and public safety concerns.
Scientists Warn About Seismic Tests
As the N.C. officials evaluate a third request of offshore seismic testing, scientists warn that such testing for oil and gas beneath the Atlantic Ocean floor is likely to have significant effects on the reproduction and survival of fish and marine mammals.
Fla. Bans Term ‘Climate Change’
Officials with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection have been restricted from using the term “climate change” or “global warming” in official correspondence.
Influential Coastal Engineer Dies
You’ve seen the handiwork of Robert Dean, an influential coastal engineer and the “father” of beach-renourishment. He died recently at age 84.
Fed Agency Opposes Ocean Isle Groin
Officials of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expressed their opposition to Ocean Isle’s proposed terminal groin, which they said would significantly damage the critical habitat of several species.
