Secretary Michael Regan stands against offshore drilling

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — At the top of the Harrelson building, North Carolina DEQ secretary Michael Regan wanted to let everyone know: offshore drilling can not happen here.

“There was a unanimous voice here that offshore drilling and seismic testing is not good for North Carolina. It’s just not worth the transaction cost,” Regan said.

In a meeting with the Wilmington city council and New Hanover County Commissioners, Regan expressed his concerns about the economic and environmental impacts. Local dignitaries agreed with him.

“Where’s the urgency? Where is the need for all of this? It simply isn’t there. So to me, it’s not so much a battle, it’s a matter of ‘let’s let common sense rise to the top,'” New Hanover County Commissioner Rob Zapple said.

Regan encourages people throughout the state to speak out.

“All North Carolinians, not just citizens of the coast, but all North Carolinians step up and let their voices be heard that offshore drilling and seismic testing is not good for North Carolina’s economy or it’s citizens,” Regan said.

He also said if the Trump administration does not listen to the public and their concerns, they will challenge and possibly sue the administration.

“The comment period ends on March 9th and so we’ll continue to make the case through that administrative process. And then once the Trump administration decides which direction it will go, we will contest any outcome that does not advantage North Carolina,” Regan said.

One argument mentioned is that oil drilling would add more jobs but secretary Regan says the number of jobs which would be created would be minimal and might not even go to North Carolinians.