The first N.C. skirmish in what will certainly be a prolonged battle over offshore drilling played out in Wilmington Tuesday. CRO editor Frank Tursi takes you into the heart of both camps.
Energy
No Huffing and Puffing Over Wind
The feds had a meeting in Kitty Hawk about offshore wind energy. There were no protests or demonstrations, no talk of spills and sullied beaches.
Federal Study Gives Offshore Wind the Green Light
Commercial wind farms off the N.C. coast will likely have minimal adverse environmental effects, notes a federal study. People will have a chance to comment on the study at three meetings this week.
State Studies LNG Plant at Ports
A plant to export liquid natural gas could be built at the state ports in Morehead City or Wilmington, according to a report presented recently to the N.C. General Assembly.
Feds Announce Atlantic Drilling Plan
The Obama Administration announced plans to potentially open portions of the Atlantic coast, including offshore North Carolina, to oil and natural gas drilling for the first time in 30 years.
Feds Move Closer to Offshore Wind in N.C.
The federal government yesterday took the next significant step toward developing commercial wind energy off the N.C. coast by releasing an environmental assessment that supports the potential lease sale for more than 300,000 acres.
Study: N.C. Could Reap the Wind
North Carolina and other Atlantic Coast states could see far more jobs and benefits from developing offshore wind energy than drilling for oil and natural gas, according to a new study.
Energy From Tides, Waves and Sea
Experts say that North Carolina is well positioned to be a leader in the production of energy from the marine environment.
Ports Pressing Ahead With Wood Pellet Plans
With all of the required permits in hand, the N.C. State Ports Authority is moving ahead with plans to build wood-pellet export facilities at its ports in Wilmington and Morehead City.
View from N.C. Beaches: Surf, Dolphins and Oil Rigs?
Gov. Pat McCrory says testing for oil and gas should include state waters, too. If resources are found within three miles from shore, he would consider drilling there.
Texas Tea in the Dunes of Carolina
That’s what the residents of the Outer Banks thought they had when the oilmen came calling after World War II. Some thought their fortunes were just a gusher away.
Old Hatteras Oil Well Draws State’s Attention
Core samples from a decades old oil test well near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse that was abandoned as a dry hole in 1946 will get another look as part of the state’s effort to expand oil and gas exploration.
Coastal Energy Summit Draws Skepticism
Later week in Wilmington, the governor and industry pros will discuss North Carolina’s coastal energy initiatives. Some film-industry backers are wary of what will take center stage at the summit, including the city’s mayor.
What’s All the Noise Over Seismic Survey?
While the debate over drilling for oil and natural gas off the N.C. coast rages on, one thing appears certain: seismic survey is starting soon.
The Sun: A New Crop in New Bern
A new solar farm in New Bern is nearly complete as North Carolina becomes one of the leading producers of solar energy in the nation.
Nags Head Opposed to Seismic Testing
The town passed a resolution opposing the use of air guns to test for oil and natural gas below the sea floor off the N.C. coast.
