Leasing program topic of NC offshore energy panel

    RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The Legislature’s expert panel examining energy exploration off the North Carolina coast will next hear from regulators who oversee the nation’s offshore leasing program.
    The 24-member Advisory Subcommittee on Offshore Energy Exploration scheduled a meeting Wednesday in Raleigh.
    The panelists are studying whether offshore drilling for oil and natural gas is feasible and how potential revenues from what’s found are worth potential harm to the environment.
    Officials from the U.S. government’s Minerals Management Service were slated to speak to the committee, which includes university researchers environmentalists and fuel industry leaders.
    Gov. Beverly Perdue last month announced she would create her own panel to advise her on similar drilling matters and offshore wind and solar energy options.
   
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