North Carolina, Not for Drilling
As the former mayor of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina and a resident for over 40 years, I have developed a unique appreciation of our state’s beach communities. North Carolina’s beaches are some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the country. The beach towns that dot our coast are not only natural havens of marine wildlife but also vacation destinations that support thriving economies.
From the fisheries of the Outer Banks to the bustling tourism of New Hanover County, beach communities provide thousands of jobs and provide a large source of revenue through property taxes, hotel room taxes and sales taxes. One of the most ominous threats in recent years to our beaches has been the federal government’s push for offshore drilling. In coastal states throughout the east coast the opposition to offshore drilling has been overwhelming. Over 340 municipalities and 2,100 elected officials from both political parties are opposed to drilling. North Carolina’s port cities of Wilmington and Morehead have joined Norfolk, Virginia; and Charleston, South Carolina in opposition.
Offshore drilling threatens marine life as offshore drilling operations release dangerous pollutants into the ocean on a daily basis, not the mention the larger spills that become headlines. It is estimated the economic impacts of lost fisheries from the Deep Water Horizon Spill in the Gulf of Mexico was near $9 billion, costing 22,000 jobs by 2020. Oil spills are highly damaging, it is no wonder one of the former CEO’s of Big Oil refers to oil as “the devil’s excrement.”
Fossil fuels are also the leading cause of climate change. Fossil fuels are basically a 1950’s solution for a 21 st century problem. We must move towards renewable energy. Clean renewable energy will enable us to increase energy production while protecting the Earth’s fragile environment. A future based on renewable energy will protect our beaches for future generations to enjoy and enable marine animals to flourish.
Recently President Trump announced a moratorium on offshore drilling for some of the east coast states. Yet during a speech in Virginia he shouted to the crowd that he is willing to reverse course on this decision. Interesting that this announcement came just weeks before the election. Was this a true change in direction or just a temporary ploy to garner votes in a tight election? The bottom line is it is crucial that voters support candidates who have a strong record of protecting the environment. Do your research!
Like so many Americans, I have a favorite beach. For me it is Wrightsville Beach, NC. Yours might be Folly Beach, SC or Tybee Island, GA. Our beaches are treasures that not only provide habitat for marine life but provide us with treasured memories that last a lifetime. They are worth protecting. Keep in mind that offshore drilling is a forever decision as once an oil platform begins operations it usually continues for decades. Vote wisely. Our beaches are counting on you.