Bill opening North Carolina to gas drilling filed
The Mining and Energy Commission could begin issuing drilling permits March 1, 2015 under a measure filed in the Senate today.
Posted — UpdatedCurrently, the commission is allowed to put rules in place to govern exploration for shale gas but does not have the authority to issue permits.
“We know North Carolina’s abundance of clean and inexpensive natural gas brings the promise for thousands of new jobs,” Newton said in a statement. “Companies will now be able to apply the latest technologies and safety standards to see just how far our resources extend, putting North Carolina on track for a vibrant energy jobs sector.”
The bill also give Gov. Pat McCrory authority to negotiate an interstate compact that would clear the way for offshore drilling.
According to a news release, the bill would also:
- Provide additional resources to the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources for operation of the Mining and Energy Commission.
This is similar to a 2011 measure that Rucho and fellow senators pushed.
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