Senate backs expanding offshore drilling
The Herald-Sun (Durham)

The Senate passed an offshore drilling bill Tuesday that differs
significantly from an earlier House version, ensuring another political
battle over the nation's energy policy.


... "Because of the beaches and coastal ecosystem, I think North
Carolina is more liable to serious negative impacts if things go wrong
or are not managed properly," said David Godschalk, professor of city
and regional planning at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.


"I don't think it's a good idea, and the potential for serious damage is too great of a tradeoff."  Not only would the state's
$14 billion tourism industry be affected by unsightly oil rigs looming off the 300-mile-long Tar Heel coast, Godschalk said,
but there is also a major safety threat because of possible damage from hurricanes.

"Oil spills or damage debris would affect the beaches, which are in constant transition, foul delicate coastal plants and
kill wildlife and fishing areas," he said.

http://www.heraldsun.com/nationworld/14-757674.html