More scientists and coastal businesses are speaking out against the threat to endangered whales from seismic testing for oil and natural gas off the N.C. coast.
Energy
Groups Worry Seismic Tests Will Happen
Despite the recent announcement that plans to drill for oil and natural gas off the N.C. coast will not move forward during the next five years, several firms continue to seek federal permits for seismic exploration in the Atlantic.
Opponents Applaud Drilling Decision
Many on the N.C. coast applauded the announcement Tuesday that the federal government has taken Atlantic offshore waters off the list of proposed leasing areas for oil and natural gas drilling.
Trends Favor Cheaper Offshore Wind Power
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.
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
TÂÂhe 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.
