Consumer Energy Alliance

Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization created to help expand the dialogue between the energy and consuming sectors to improve understanding of energy security, more effectively develop and use both renewable and oil & gas energy resources in an environmentally conscious manner, create sound energy policy and maintain stable energy prices for consumers.

Newspapers Call for Increased Energy Exploration off the Carolinas, Highlight Huge Economic Benefits, Safety

“According to a report released on Sept. 16 by the Southeast Energy Alliance, offshore oil exploration and production could generate up to $250 million in annual revenue for South Carolina. That’s a significant addition to the state’s coffers if the results can be achieved in a way that doesn’t disrupt the $17 billion-a-year tourism industry”

“Studies and recent history have shown that it’s safe to drill offshore for oil and natural gas. It’s safe for the workers. It’s safe for the economy. And it’s safe for the environment”

“To be against the exploration and development of every viable form of energy in the United States isn’t a meaningful political stance”

“Conservation, alternative energy and offshore drilling all offer potential pieces to the energy puzzle. All three should be pursued”

The Greenville News, Editorial. “Gas exploration would help state … South Carolina would benefit if the federal government includes this state among those that will be allowed to conduct exploratory natural gas and oil drilling off the Atlantic Coast. … If harvestable natural gas is found off the coast of South Carolina, it would mark a further step toward energy independence for the United States. Second, such work could provide much-needed revenue to the state and create jobs for some state residents. … The reality is that current technology significantly reduces the risks of drilling for natural gas or oil offshore. … Certainly such an influx of oil and gas could help the nation’s short-term energy independence, until cleaner, renewable energy sources become more economically feasible on a large-scale basis. … According to a report released on Sept. 16 by the Southeast Energy Alliance, offshore oil exploration and production could generate up to $250 million in annual revenue for South Carolina. That’s a significant addition to the state’s coffers if the results can be achieved in a way that doesn’t disrupt the $17 billion-a-year tourism industry. Further, the alliance projects that such efforts would create 2,250 jobs in South Carolina. That’s significant in a state that has consistently lagged behind the nation in job creation in the recent past. Certainly the prospect of energy production off the coast would provide yet another economic development engine in South Carolina, and the idea deserves to be explored. The federal government should allow this pilot exploration program, and it should include South Carolina in these efforts to determine if at least some of America’s short-term energy needs can be met by safely harvesting much-needed energy resources from the Atlantic Coast.” (9/28/09)

Jackson Daily News, Editorial. “Offshore drilling now a necessity … Studies and recent history have shown that it’s safe to drill offshore for oil and natural gas. It’s safe for the workers. It’s safe for the economy. And it’s safe for the environment. … Both industry and some federal government officials have said that modern technology has made the chances of offshore exploration causing significant ecological or environmental damage quite remote. … Industry officials also note that the site for drilling for natural gas is about 40 miles off the North Carolina coast, putting it well beyond the horizon from the shore. That means that the breathtaking beauty of the Atlantic Ocean wouldn’t be disturbed by drilling. … There is no reason why ramping up power production from alternate energy sources should exclude offshore drilling. Conservation, alternative energy (including nuclear) and offshore drilling all offer potential pieces to the energy puzzle. All energy options, including some we haven’t even thought of yet, should be supported if the United States is to grow and prosper in the years ahead.” (9/27/09)

Star-News, Editorial: “Looking out to sea … It is difficult to ignore the estimate by a group representing electric cooperatives that North Carolina could reap $577 million annually from oil and natural gas royalties.” (9/24/09)

Gaston Gazette, Editorial: “Introductory exploration … Studies and recent history have shown that it’s safe to drill offshore for oil and natural gas. It’s safe for the workers. It’s safe for the environment. And it’s good for the economy. … Both industry representatives and federal government officials have said that modern technology has made the chances of offshore exploration causing significant ecological or environmental damage quite remote. … Industry officials also note that the proposed natural gas site is about 40 miles off the North Carolina coast, putting it well beyond the horizon from the shore. That means that the breathtaking beauty of the Atlantic Ocean wouldn’t be disturbed by drilling. … Opponents of offshore drilling say that we should focus on conservation and alternative energy sources, such as wind and solar energy. We have no objection to using wind and solar energy and hope that entrepreneurs will soon make those sources economically feasible. But we see no reason why doing so should exclude offshore drilling. Conservation, alternative energy and offshore drilling all offer potential pieces to the energy puzzle. All three should be pursued.” (9/25/09)

Spartanburg Herald-Journal, Editorial. “Environmental activists are protesting development of every viable energy source … Unless we increase our own exploration and generation, we will become increasingly dependent on rogue states like Iran, Venezuela, Libya and Russia for our energy needs. … But today, right now, to be against the exploration and development of every viable form of energy in the United States isn’t a meaningful political stance. One might ask the Alaska Wilderness League members protesting drilling Monday, while dressed as salmon and polar bears, how they got to Washington. Unless they swam, they need to realize that opposing all domestic energy development doesn’t make much sense.” (9/24/09)

Charlotte Observer, Editorial: “’I believe that North Carolina has the capacity to position herself as a global leader in green energy,’ Gov. Bev Perdue said at a coastal area gathering last week to hear about the proposal. Perdue hasn’t endorsed the wind project. She has authorized a study of potential offshore energy resources, including exploratory drilling. That’s appropriate.” (9/29/09)

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