Do not underestimate potential of offshore drilling
I had an opportunity to travel to Louisiana recently to visit Port Fourchon and see first hand how the offshore energy industry has revitalized their port. Much like our nearby Port of Georgetown, Port Fourchon just three decades ago had a steady decrease in traffic. The advent of offshore drilling reinvigorated Port Fourchon and surrounding areas and brought high wage jobs to the area — and could do the same for the Georgetown area.
Seismic studies, which would be the first step to determine the oil and natural gas reserves off our coast, have no impact on marine mammals according to the federal government’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
As a businessman, I seek to strike a balance between environmental protection and economic development. However, we must not be coerced by misinformation and fear tactics by environmentalists on the huge potential offshore drilling would have on our local and state economy.
Michael Hill, Murrells Inlet
This story was originally published August 24, 2015 at 2:21 PM with the headline "Do not underestimate potential of offshore drilling."