SACE Lauds Perdue on Offshore Wind Energy
Asheville, N.C. (February 9, 2012) – The following is a statement by Simon Mahan, Renewable Energy Manager of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy on the release of the Report Of The Governor’s Scientific Advisory Panel On Offshore Energy. “The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy applauds Governor Perdue for her leadership in promoting offshore wind energy. North Carolina arguably has the best offshore wind resources in the country. We strongly agree with the findings of this panel that ‘North Carolina should continue to promote opportunities for offshore-wind development.’ Coastal communities are vibrant and vital parts of North Carolina’s economy and heritage. Offshore wind energy has the potential to complement and strengthen coastal communities by generating thousands of in-state jobs and providing new opportunities for ecotourism. “The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy disagrees with Governor Perdue on the issue of receiving royalties in exchange for offshore oil drilling. Oil or natural gas resources off the North Carolina coast should not be developed. These resources are unproven, would have no appreciable affect on commodity prices and are unlikely to significantly reduce our state’s unemployment. Royalty payments cannot ensure adequate protection from an oil spill as the vibrant tourism and fishery industries along our coastline would be negatively affected. “The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy looks forward to working with Governor Perdue and other elected leaders throughout our region to promote North Carolina’s offshore wind resources.” The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy participated in the public forums associated with the Scientific Advisory Panel in Wilmington and Manteo, North Carolina in early 2011. SACE also submitted comments to the panel concerning offshore wind, oil and natural gas development. Those comments are available for download here. # # # Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible energy choices that create global warming solutions and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast.?www.cleanenergy.org