Energy officials, environmentalists search for common ground in natural gas debate

Searching for common ground in the energy debate, a panel of policymakers, industry experts and professors gathered at Coastal Carolina University Friday to discuss natural gas production and usage.

“The purpose of this program,” said Coastal research professor Tom Mullikin, “is to bridge what we all believe is a tremendous gap between good science and good policy. ... How do we have good policy in the United States that’s balanced and science based?”

The day-long event at Coastal’s Adkins Field House brought 17 experts from six states to discuss the economic and environmental issues surrounding natural gas. Speakers included energy industry officials, environmental researchers, state lawmakers and other stakeholders.

“This is a very controversial issue in some parts of the country and probably getting ready to be a little more controversial here in South Carolina,” said Eddie Dyer, the university’s chief operating officer. “Our job here at Coastal Carolina University is educational. It’s always been our philosophy that the more people know about something the better.”

The event was the latest in a series of talks examining the challenges and opportunities involved in domestic energy production. The first symposium looked at wind energy.

This story was originally published April 17, 2015 at 9:13 PM with the headline "Energy officials, environmentalists search for common ground in natural gas debate."