Public Hearings Address Offshore Energy

People interested in offshore energy development along the North Carolina coast are invited to attend a series of public hearings this week. The meetings are being organized by Governor Bev Perdue's Scientific Advisory Panel on Offshore Energy. Seth Effron from the state's energy office says even though there's a moratorium on drilling for oil and gas, there are other sources to consider.

"Offshore wind exploration and development is continuing and that there are rules and regulations and policies that need to be considered and developed so that the state moves ahead in an appropriate way."

Effron says its also important to talk about oil and gas drilling because the ban could be lifted. Today's hearing in Wilmington has been postponed due to winter weather. Other hearings are scheduled for later this week in Morehead City and Manteo.

Note:  These hearings have been postponed due to inclement weather.