Bill paves way for new jobs, robust energy sector

A comprehensive energy bill introduced in the N.C. Senate puts the state on a path to a vibrant energy sector that would lure thousands of new jobs and generate half a billion dollars in annual state revenue for decades.

The Energy Jobs Act – Senate Bill 709 – directs Gov. Beverly Perdue to enter a tri-state pact with the governors of Virginia and South Carolina.  The pact would urge President Obama to open the east coast for energy exploration.  The president this month linked economic growth to energy independence, and said the country must increase its domestic energy resources.

The bill – sponsored by Sens. Bob Rucho (R-Mecklenburg), Tommy Tucker (R-Union), and Senate Majority Leader Harry Brown (R-Onslow) – also directs the governor to work with North Carolina’s Congressional delegation to advocate for state revenue-sharing for resources off the coast, and directs how that money would be spent.  Nearly half of the funds would go to jobs training, energy research and conservation.

North Carolina’s offshore energy reserves are thought to be mostly natural gas – the cleanest fossil fuel.  The state has 64 million federal offshore acres, the most on the east coast and the fourth largest acreage in the country.

“We have a great opportunity to explore and determine if there are natural gas deposits off our coast. If so, it would create thousands of new jobs, generate billions of dollars and provide an affordable source of renewable energy to state businesses,” said Sen. Bob Rucho.  “We’ve learned from the mistakes of BP and others. We also have learned we need to explore for natural gas and other ways to achieve energy independence.”

“If this country is serious about weaning itself off foreign oil, we have to produce more energy here at home,” said Sen. Tommy Tucker.  “Energy has brought tremendous wealth and jobs to other states. It should be a boon for North Carolina, too.”

The bill also:

·       Replaces the state’s Energy Policy Council with the Energy Jobs Council – a 9-member body that will focus more on how to tap into existing energy sources and create new jobs.

·       Encourages exploration of onshore energy by directing the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources to study North Carolina’s shale gas and other resources, and make recommendations for new legislation.

·       Directs the governor to take steps to revamp the U.S. Department of Interior’s Offshore Policy Commission with representation from North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina.

 

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