Feds seek public input on coastal NC wind energy study

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — The federal government is inviting the public to comment on an environmental assessment that supports wind energy development off North Carolina.

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced Thursday that it is releasing the assessment supporting a potential leasing of more than 300,000 acres in federal waters off the coast.

The public can submit comments through the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s website or attend three public meetings in February along the coast.

The North Carolina Sierra Club issued a statement saying that wind energy is a better offshore energy option than drilling. The environmental group’s Zak Keith says the potential leasing gives coastal areas a chance to create jobs and invest in clean energy.

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