We spend the next two days exploring the proposed benefits and possible problems with using air guns to explore for oil and natural gas off the N.C. coast. Today, the pros.
Offshore Drilling & the N.C. Coast
Offshore Drilling & Morehead City
While offshore drilling is unlikely to spawn great industrial development along the N.C. coast, Morehead City could become a port to service and supply any drilling rigs off the coast.
Poll: Drilling Foes Edge Out Supporters
Forty-six percent of the respondents in eight N.C. oceanfront counties were opposed to offshore drilling, while 42 percent favored it. The poll is the first of residents who would most likely be affected by drilling.
From Ocracoke to New Bern
Our reporter ends her jaunt along the northern coast after hearing all sides of the offshore drilling debate.
Mixed Feelings on Alternative Energy
Some coastal N.C. residents want to see development of alternative energy sources rather than offshore oil drilling but others aren’t sold on wind or solar.
Fishermen See Benefits From Drilling
Longtime commercial fishermen see little threat from offshore oil drilling and say they expect improved fishing as a result rather than detrimental effects.
Necessary Risk or Needless Threat?
From Corolla to New Bern, opinions on drilling off the coast are rooted in residents’ work experiences and attitudes toward government and the environment.
Banks Communities: Staking a Position
Many communities on the N.C. Outer Banks have officially stated opposition to drilling, but some barrier-island communities have yet to take a position.
Some Favor Drilling; Others Don’t
Some people tell our traveling reporter that they’d welcome the jobs offshore drilling might bring; other worry what spills would to the beaches and tourism.
Taking the Pulse of the Coast
Reporters travel the coast to talk with people about offshore drilling. This, the first of a week-long series of stories, begins the journey in Calabash.
The Realtors’ View
Those involved in selling real estate along the southeast N.C. coast differ in how offshore drilling might affect their business.
Oil Prospects vs. Tourism Reality
Coastal N.C. residents worry that promises of economic benefits from offshore oil and gas aren’t worth the risks to their proven, primary industry: tourism.
Industry Would Change Landscape
If oil or natural gas industry comes to the N.C. coast, it will require infrastructure and service facilities and change the way of life here.
Who Pays for Oil Spill Cleanup?
Who pays for all those people armed with mops and brushes scrubbing beaches or cleaning birds?
Potential for Disaster: Our Coast at Risk
The BP Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010 was the worst oil spill in history with lingering effects on the Gulf Coast, but what if it were to happen here?
Industry Works to Prevent Another BP
Since the Deepwater Horizon, the oil industry has worked hard to improve the safety of drilling in deep water with better standards, practices and equipment.
