January 1, 2016 — Offshore drilling draws opponents
After a year of growing opposition from coastal communities against offshore drilling off the North Carolina coast, close watch will be kept on decisions in Washington in the upcoming year.
The Obama Administration is expected to release its proposed Atlantic oil leasing plan in early 2016.
To date, 93 communities along the Atlantic coast have gone on record against offshore oil and gas exploration activities.
That number includes several in the local area:
In Onslow County, the towns of Holly Ridge, Swansboro and Surf City have adopted resolutions.
In Carteret County, Emerald Isle, Morehead City and Beaufort have adopted resolutions opposing offshore drilling; and Atlantic Beach councilmen agreed to a resolution to be formally adopted this month. The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Development Authority have also taken a stance against it.