Energy policy lacking

The election of Pat McCrory in November ushered into the governor’s office an individual with nearly 30 years of management experience with Duke Energy. His vocal support of increased energy exploration throughout the state and off the coast, coupled with a Legislature eager to implement those ideas, virtually assured North Carolina of a more aggressive energy policy.

More drilling, including the controversial hydraulic fracturing that could threaten underground water supplies, is no longer a question of “if” but rather a matter of “when.” And while the potential for job creation may be enticing, officials’ eagerness to open the state to energy companies recklessly disregards the need to protect against irreversible environmental harm.

Speaking last month at the Appalachian Energy Summit, the governor outlined some of the energy policy objectives he endorsed on the campaign trail and on which he has worked since election. An advocate for offshore oil drilling, McCrory claimed North Carolina was missing the boat on an employment windfall as neighboring states allow drilling. He is similarly bullish on fracking, which appears to be the future of domestic energy production.

His views are largely shared by a Republican legislative majority that last year used a Democratic representative’s late night voting mistake to override Gov. Beverly Perdue’s veto of a bill allowing fracking. This year, the General Assembly attempted to expedite the permitting process and allow drilling without requiring that lawmakers review or approve regulations being drafted by the Mining and Energy Commission.

While that effort may have failed, the Legislature did approve a bill to advance offshore oil exploration. It instructs the governor to form a compact with South Carolina and Virginia so drilling can be coordinated and the three can share the benefits.

Even as they point to employment estimates — jobs North Carolina could certainly use, given that it has the nation’s fifth highest unemployment rate — lawmakers pushing these efforts seem too dismissive of even modest environmental protections.

Drilling near the Outer Banks threatens a cherished national resource and one of the state’s most important tourist draws. There is no firm plan to safely dispose of the chemical slurry used for fracking. Some have suggested it be shipped to counties in eastern North Carolina, which should alarm area residents. Fracking could also permanently pollute underground aquifers needed for drinking water.

Voters endorsed a more aggressive energy policy when they selected McCrory in November. But environmental concerns are real and also demand consideration.