Trump's proposed offshore drilling is now a reality contrary to the wishes of both elected officials and residents.
In January President Donald Trump announced that new plans to allow for offshore oil drilling in all federal waters, including the Atlantic Coast and along South Carolina. The announcement was immediately met with disdain and resistance from all elected officials of all parties and regions. Oil and gas exploration and development is widely opposed by the public as well as government officials due to the real possibility of a major spill that would destroy the state’s tourism and fishing economy. Resolutions were signed by South Carolina governor Henry McMaster and several counties and cities in opposition. Horry County Council (Myrtle Beach) chairman Mark Lazarus stated “I’m disappointed that the administration is going against the wishes of every coastal state, city and county. One mishap would be devastating to our tourist economy and fisheries here in Horry County and the State of South Carolina.”
While currently 94% of the outer continental shelf is off limits to gas and oil exploration and development Trump’s plan will open up 90% of the total area. The most upsetting part of the issue is that the United States is awash in oil. A huge oil glut exists so additional oil drilling is unnecessary. In fact, this oil will not be for US consumption but will be sold overseas.
Trump has effectively said “screw you” to the people and leaders of South Carolina. Today I went to Myrtle Beach for the first time since Hurricane Florence and two monstrous drilling rigs were already positioned offshore. They weren't there a few weeks ago. Obviously Trump is not interested in what the citizens or their elected representatives believe is best for their State.
That is sad to hear. Part of the reason that here in Houston it's a time like the old oil boom before the 1980s. Stopping oil drilling would hasten the development of wind and solar energy that has already proved its worth in many parts of the country. Trump is probably swayed by major support from oil companies.
If we don't stop this insanity, much more destruction will continue. Everyone must vote and not think of their vote as helpless. We must get the scoundrels out of the swamps and especially, offshore where they can do untold damage.
Thanks for the article alerting us to the situation in South Carolina.
They are anchors for the first link in the Mara-lag-No Line - it was supposed to go on the Mexico border but drug dealers dug a 31 foot deep tunnel there and El Hefe (the Mara-lag-istah) had it moved. Even So Carolinians must be fed up by now. Thanks for keeping an eye on these things, Gary.
A book of nature inspired poems and essays, written from the heart and soul of a life-long nature, animal, and wilderness lover, and dedicated to today’s children - Earth's only hope for a better tomorrow.
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If we don't stop this insanity, much more destruction will continue. Everyone must vote and not think of their vote as helpless. We must get the scoundrels out of the swamps and especially, offshore where they can do untold damage.
Thanks for the article alerting us to the situation in South Carolina.
Ron