N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Michael S. Regan makes the following statement regarding WesternGeco’s appeal of North Carolina’s Coastal Zone Management Act consistency objection:
“We remain vigilant in our opposition to activities related to oil and gas exploration off the North Carolina coast. WesternGeco’s proposal for seismic airgun blasting poses too many risks to our commercial and recreational fishing economy, marine life and overall coastal environment and economy that our state cannot afford to take. We will use any available avenues to fight WesternGeco’s appeal.”
In June, the Division of Coastal Management formally objected to WesternGeco’s proposed seismic surveys, finding the activity inconsistent with numerous state coastal management policies outlined in a letter to the company. In a July 10 notice of appeal, WesternGeco asked U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur L. Ross, Jr. to override North Carolina’s consistency objection.
The appeal process allows the parties to file a brief presenting their arguments and documentation to the Secretary of Commerce for his decision.
Under federal rules, to override the Division of Coastal Management’s decision, the Secretary of Commerce must find that WesternGeco’s proposed activity meets all the following criteria:
- The activity furthers the national interest in a significant manner;
- This national interest, furthered by this activity, outweighs the activity’s adverse coastal effects, when those effects are considered separately or cumulatively; and
- No reasonable alternative exists that would permit the activity to be conducted in a manner consistent with the state’s enforceable policies.
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