Republican Leader Brings Idea for Job Creation to Governor

Berger urges Perdue to act on offshore oil and gas exploration

Raleigh, N.C. – The Virginia State Senate passed a bill this week to direct future oil and gas royalties to funding sources in Virginia state government. (“Va. Senate backs bill to send offshore-drilling cash to transportation, environment,” Richmond Times Dispatch, 2/22/10) In response to this action by our neighbors, Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) sent a letter to Governor Bev Perdue urging her to take the necessary steps to ensure that North Carolina is not outpaced by Virginia when it comes to offshore oil and gas exploration and the new industry and jobs that could bring to our state.

Senator Berger’s letter to Governor Perdue reads in part:

“With new technology and innovation leading the way, and reported natural gas resource estimates for North Carolina’s outer continental shelf greater than Virginia, North Carolina can become an energy hub for the southeast and the entire United States. If we fail to act now, Virginia as well as other states will be adding new industry and creating jobs which should come to North Carolina. This issue has been the subject of more than enough study. Now is the time for action. If the primary goal is creating jobs to pull North Carolina out of this recession, we must take bold steps. We can create a new energy industry and unlock the potential for new job creation in oil and gas exploration in our state.”

Click here to see the full text of Sen. Berger’s letter to Gov. Perdue.

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