NORTH CAROLINA PETROLEUM COUNCIL: New offshore energy plan will benefit North Carolina energy consumers
RALEIGH, January 4, 2018 – North Carolina Petroleum Council Executive Director David McGowan today welcomed the new five-year offshore oil and natural gas leasing plan, which puts North Carolina on the right track towards greater energy production, new jobs and economic growth.
"The administration’s new offshore leasing plan is welcome news for North Carolina’s energy consumers and economy,” said McGowan. “By allowing greater access to our abundant offshore energy resources, this new plan would allow us to embrace our nation’s energy potential, create good-paying jobs, and grow our state’s economy while coexisting safely with local industries like fishing and tourism.
“Today’s advanced technology along with standards, best practices, and programs continuously being improved and developed help protect our communities and the environment. In addition, the ability to explore the resources off our coast is an important part of a robust energy strategy that strengthens not only our long-term energy security but also our national security.”
A recent study found that the U.S. natural gas and oil industry supported 141,500 jobs in North Carolina and contributed $13.41 billion to the state’s economy in 2015. Since 2010, more than 100 exploration and production industry standards were created or strengthened, including standards for safety and environmental management, well design, blowout prevention and spill response.
“The Mid-Atlantic outer continental shelf is estimated to hold 2.41 billion barrels of oil and 24.63 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and scientific research through seismic surveying would provide us with even better information about our potential resources in the Atlantic,” said McGowan. “This new five-year plan is just a first step in a long process, and we look forward to engaging every step of the way to ensure we have an offshore energy strategy that helps provide affordable energy and truly benefits North Carolina’s consumers, manufacturers, and businesses.”
The North Carolina Petroleum Council is a division of API, which represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 625 members produce, process, and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy.
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