Commissioners in a coastal North Carolina county say they want state and federal representatives to support offshore exploration for oil and natural gas.
The Daily News of Jacksonville reported Thursday that the Carteret County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution asking representatives to "support the exploration of oil and gas off the outer continental shelf."
Commissioner Greg Lewis sponsored the resolution that passed on a 7-2 vote. Lewis said offshore drilling would help the economy throughout eastern North Carolina because of drilling royalties and support business.
Some speakers expressed concerns about exploration during a public comment period. Others said the technology exists to drill safely.