Governors Stein and McMaster Stand Up for NC and SC Coasts
While President Trump and his team look to drill for fossil fuels offshore, NC and SC Governors stand up to protect our coasts and the families depending on these thriving, beautiful ecosystems.
An Offshore Drilling Moratorium
In September 2020, Trump issued a ban on leasing North and South Carolina coastal areas for offshore oil and gas drilling. More recently, the president and his administration considered lifting the moratorium under lobbying pressure from the oil and gas industry and a commitment to “drill, baby, drill.”
Governors Stein and McMaster Speak Out
In a joint letter to the Trump Administration in June, N.C. Governor Stein and S.C. Governor McMaster asked to maintain the moratorium on offshore drilling. “Because of the significant risks associated with offshore oil and gas exploration, development and production off the Carolina coasts, every North Carolina and South Carolina coastal municipality has passed a resolution opposing offshore drilling and seismic testing,” Governors wrote.
“This position has been reaffirmed by other municipalities and counties, as well as state legislators and members of our Congressional delegations from both parties. We ask you to respect the wishes of our states and our coastal communities and reaffirm President Trump’s decision to protect our coastlines and the industries they support.”
Economic and Environmental Impacts
Coastal Review explains the economic and environmental importance of preserving vulnerable Carolina coasts from offshore drilling. “North Carolina and South Carolina have a combined 513 miles of ocean beaches and 6,251 miles of coastline that are home to more than 2.7 million people and include numerous national wildlife refuges. The coastal economy for the two states in 2021 contributed $9.6 billion to the gross domestic product, supported more than 125,000 jobs, and provided $3.8 billion in wages, led by tourism and recreation, shipbuilding, fishing, and marine transportation industries.”
Protecting Our Coasts for Future Generations
The fight to protect our coasts is far from over. As oil and gas interests continue pushing to exploit these waters, it’s up to our leaders and communities to keep standing strong. Offshore drilling puts our beaches, wildlife, and coastal economies at risk, all for the short-term profits of polluting industries. By maintaining the moratorium, we protect not only today’s coastal families and jobs, but also the natural beauty and ecosystems future generations deserve to enjoy.
