Former UNCW chancellor to lead study on offshore drilling

A former UNCW chancellor and a scientist will lead a study on whether offshore drilling is feasible off the North Carolina coast.

Legislative leaders announced Wednesday the members of a committee to examine the effects of oil or natural gas exploration. The chairmen will be former UNCW chancellor James Leutze and Doug Rader, the chief oceans scientist for the nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund.

Researchers, industry and environmental representatives, and residents will review research on drilling, hold hearings and examine its economic benefits and costs.