Evaluating the Potential for Offshore Oil and Gas Production in North Carolina
Abstract
Recurring energy and economic crises promote legislation and government action focused
on the development of domestic energy sources to alleviate foreign dependency and
create jobs for a rising percentage of unemployed Americans. Within the past year
regulatory changes produced the potential for oil and gas production along the outer
continental shelf of North Carolina. Exploring the history of development and recognizing
existing mandates aid in understanding the full range of issues involved in the offshore
leasing and production process.
Examining the six steps of a complete production cycle allows for the outline of activities
to provide a clear timeline for the risk of various impacts. Development procedures
along the North Carolina outer continental shelf could significantly alter the economic
and environmental conditions of coastal communities. Potential impacts are not limited
to benefits for the economy and risks for the environment but include trade-offs within
each sector. In striving for effective and successful management of offshore resources,
emphasis should be placed on finding a balance between growth and stability.
Future research action should emphasize environmental risks and feasibility analysis
with a focus on understanding socioeconomic aspects of development. This compilation
of necessary information will provide interested stakeholders an available framework
for evaluating offshore energy projects using a policy for endorsing responsible and
appropriate responses to a national call for offshore oil production. Although development
seems to promise economic and energy dependence relief, an increase of detailed information
on the conditions of the coastal community and environment will support a determination
for best solution to the current crises.
Type
Master's projectPermalink
https://hdl.handle.net/10161/986Citation
Moore, Kathleen (2009). Evaluating the Potential for Offshore Oil and Gas Production in North Carolina. Master's project, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/986.Collections
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