As the federal government prepares to auction off areas for wind energy off the N.C. coast, trends in renewable energy hold promise that wind-power will soon become more competitive.
Energy
Fisheries Managers Go Slow on Seismic
Seismic survey planning work in an enormous area off the southern half of the Atlantic coast has been put on hold while federal fisheries managers review new information about potential harm to sea turtles and whales.
Congressmen Urge Halt to Seismic Permitting
Thirty-three congressmen have signed a letter urging federal regulators to consider new research before allowing seismic testing to begin off the East Coast.
Offshore Oil Ads Promise Jobs, Revenue
A petroleum industry lobbying group has launched an ad blitz to counter growing opposition to offshore drilling but critics say it’s the same old arguments.
Groups Say Seismic Survey Study Obsolete
Environmental groups are urging federal regulators to consider new research on the effects of planned seismic surveys off the East Coast on marine mammals.
Extent of Seismic Tests Makes Feds Pause
Exploration for oil and natural gas in the Atlantic Ocean will cover more territory than any previous modern-day seismic testing, giving pause to environmentalists and federal regulators.
Seismic Testing Needs World’s Attention
Scientists, including a Duke University researcher, argue in a new paper that using sound waves in the ocean to detect oil and natural gas needs to be regulated by international treaties.
Towns Vote to Oppose Offshore Drilling
Two Carteret County towns this week joined the growing list of N.C. communities taking official positions opposed to offshore drilling and seismic blasting.
Economic Promises and the Push to Drill
Energy independence, lower fuel prices and jobs are the big three reasons cited for Atlantic offshore drilling but do the promises match the market reality?
Panel: Seismic Effects Still Unclear
Scientists who spoke at the recent N.C. Coastal Federation forum on offshore oil say more research is needed on seismic surveying’s effects on marine mammals.
Officials Tout Amazon Wind Farm Deal
The recent groundbreaking near Elizabeth City for Amazon’s wind farm, the first of its kind in the state, is being hailed as a win for clean-energy policy.
Agency Seeks Comments on Seismic Permits
The National Marine Fisheries Service is taking the unusual step of allowing public review and comment on permits to harass marine mammals with seismic tests.
Forum: Offshore Oil and the N.C. Coast
The N.C. Coastal Federation will host experts and area residents for a forum, Shaping our Economic Future: Offshore Drilling in N.C., July 31 in New Bern.
What’s This Seismic Survey Stuff?
A crowd of eager and curious people turned out in Wilmington this week to learn about what offshore seismic testing is about and what its effects on the environment could be.
Q&A: The Skinny on Seismic Surveys
We offer a primer on what will take center stage this month in the debate over offshore drilling. Public meetings are planned in April along the N.C. coast about using sound waves to determine if oil or natural exists below the sear.
Outer Banks Residents Say ‘No’ to Drilling
About 670 people showed up in Kill Devil Hills Monday for a federal public meeting on offshore oil and gas drilling. That’s more people than have ever attended one of these meetings. Their message was loud and clear.
