August 2012, Vol. 239 No. 8

Projects

Proposed Legislation To Open South Carolina Coast To Drilling

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, and Third District Congressman Jeff Duncan have all spoken out in support of legislation which will open the South Carolina coast to oil and gas drilling.

“South Carolina is leading the way toward energy independence,” said Graham, who is introducing the legislation in the U.S. Senate. “By authorizing offshore leasing for oil and gas exploration, South Carolina will lead a long, overdue effort to open up American-owned energy reserves. Additionally, this legislation will help reduce our national debt and the state of South Carolina will receive 37.5% of revenues generated from leasing.”

The South Carolina Offshore Drilling Act would allow drilling:
• 1) 0 to 10 miles off the South Carolina coast to be designated a buffer zone and no drilling will be allowed.
• 2) 10-50 miles off the South Carolina coast would be designated an Opt-In Zone. The state, with the approval of the governor and state Legislature, could make these areas available for leasing. The governor and state Legislature will decide the exact offshore location where the Opt-In Zone begins (10 miles off the coast, 12 miles, 15 miles, etc.) before leases are issued.
• 3) 50-100 miles off the South Carolina coast will be declared open and available for leasing.