Should oil drilling be allowed off the coast of North Carolina? This question has sparked mass controversy not only in North Carolina but around the world. With population growth at an all-time high and demand for natural resources increasing rapidly, the race to energy security for our nation has escalated. In 2015, the Obama administration, declared the consideration of allowing offshore oil drilling off the coasts of Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The U.S Department of the Interior drafted a 5-year plan making oil and gas leasing available on the southeast coast. What is offshore drilling exactly? Offshore oil drilling is an automated process which oil companies use to locate under water oil reserves and extract
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This would bring a significant increase to the states gross state product with increases to the state economy anticipated to extent well over $ 4 billion by 2035. In addition to that figure, hopes that the state/federal revenue sharing arrangement is authorized for the Atlantic coastal states, North Carolina could gain serious government revenues. “Under 37.5% revenue sharing structure, North Carolina state government revenues from bonuses, rents and royalties are projected to reach $855 million per year by 2035 and the cumulative effects on the state budget from 2017 to 2035 are projected to be nearly $4 billion.” (API, 2013)
Cons of offshore oil drilling off the coast of North Carolina,
• One major concern of offshore drilling is the potential of an oil spill of mass proportions or an oil blow out like the famous disaster from BP in the Gulf. “The significant die-off of whales and dolphins that began in 2010 continues today,” said Biedron. “Increased mortality rates and diminished reproductive success can have long-term effects on marine mammal populations impacted by the spill.” (Cranor, …show more content…
Methane is the main component of natural gas, but has more negative impact on the environment than carbon dioxide in the terms of warming of the planet. Which has been a huge issues surrounding global warming and climate change debates. “The EPA says the oil and gas sector’s methane emissions account for almost 30% of all U.S. methane emissions” (Harder, 2016)
Offshore oil drilling off the coast North Carolina is a very complicated and sensitive issue that have many aspects involved that need to be considered carefully, not only locally but worldwide. My option of the best energy policy for Americas future is to start rapidly investing in clean renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, but as our reliance on oil is so heavy there is no denial that it will be needed for the next few decades to come. Therefor after much consideration and research I would have to side with pro drilling. Allowing drilling to begin will only further secure our independence from foreign oil that places our nation in economic and political danger. It will substantially increase economic activity in multiple industries, as well as create new much need employment. And improve upon technology alongside research and development. The only way offshore drilling can become most effective and productive is if the commutation and cooperation between scientist, oil companies, communities and the government is
This would bring a significant increase to the states gross state product with increases to the state economy anticipated to extent well over $ 4 billion by 2035. In addition to that figure, hopes that the state/federal revenue sharing arrangement is authorized for the Atlantic coastal states, North Carolina could gain serious government revenues. “Under 37.5% revenue sharing structure, North Carolina state government revenues from bonuses, rents and royalties are projected to reach $855 million per year by 2035 and the cumulative effects on the state budget from 2017 to 2035 are projected to be nearly $4 billion.” (API, 2013)
Cons of offshore oil drilling off the coast of North Carolina,
• One major concern of offshore drilling is the potential of an oil spill of mass proportions or an oil blow out like the famous disaster from BP in the Gulf. “The significant die-off of whales and dolphins that began in 2010 continues today,” said Biedron. “Increased mortality rates and diminished reproductive success can have long-term effects on marine mammal populations impacted by the spill.” (Cranor, …show more content…
Methane is the main component of natural gas, but has more negative impact on the environment than carbon dioxide in the terms of warming of the planet. Which has been a huge issues surrounding global warming and climate change debates. “The EPA says the oil and gas sector’s methane emissions account for almost 30% of all U.S. methane emissions” (Harder, 2016)
Offshore oil drilling off the coast North Carolina is a very complicated and sensitive issue that have many aspects involved that need to be considered carefully, not only locally but worldwide. My option of the best energy policy for Americas future is to start rapidly investing in clean renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, but as our reliance on oil is so heavy there is no denial that it will be needed for the next few decades to come. Therefor after much consideration and research I would have to side with pro drilling. Allowing drilling to begin will only further secure our independence from foreign oil that places our nation in economic and political danger. It will substantially increase economic activity in multiple industries, as well as create new much need employment. And improve upon technology alongside research and development. The only way offshore drilling can become most effective and productive is if the commutation and cooperation between scientist, oil companies, communities and the government is