Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dare County commissioners unanimously oppose inclusion of new offshore oil and gas leasing in BOEM plan
Summary
Commissioners adopted a resolution asking the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to exclude new offshore oil and gas leasing off North Carolina's coast, citing risks to tourism, fishing and the coastal economy.
The Dare County Board of Commissioners on June 9 voted unanimously to send a resolution to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the county’s federal representatives opposing the inclusion of new offshore oil and gas leasing and exploration — including seismic activities — off the North Carolina coast.
Chairman Woodard and the county health director, Sheila Davies, said BOEM has reopened a window for public comment and that municipalities and counties were being urged to update prior proclamations or resolutions in response to a potential return of offshore leasing to the federal program. Davies told the board representatives from local municipalities and advocacy groups had met recently and asked counties to post updated statements of opposition.
The resolution the board approved says Dare County’s economy depends on a healthy coastal and marine environment, names tourism, recreation and fishing as vulnerable industries and asks BOEM to exclude exploration and new leases from the national outer continental shelf leasing program. The board also called on federal elected officials to oppose expansion of offshore drilling.
Vice Chairman House made the motion to approve and the vote was unanimous.
County staff said municipalities along the Outer Banks are coordinating to submit comments to BOEM before the public-comment window closes.
