BOEM could start leasing off-shore property for use by oil rigs-similar to this one-off the North Carolina coast. This particular rig is on a BOEM property on the West Coast. (Port City Daily photo / FILE PHOTO)

WILMINGTON The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has announced it would be holding three meetings across coastal North Carolinaregarding the proposed 2019-24 national outer continental shelf oil and gas leasing program. The first is today in Wilmington.

According to the DEQ, these hearings seek to gatherpublic input and information on the potential impact of oil and gas exploration, and development on the biological, social, economic and aesthetic values of North Carolinas coast.

The information gathered at these hearings will go into consideration for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Managements new five-year national outer continental shelf program, in accordance with the federal Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, which could open the Atlantic Coast for seismic testing and eventual oil and gas exploration.

This after President Trump announced his America First Offshore Energy Strategy back in April, an executive order removing many Obama-era regulations that were designed to protect the Atlantic Coast from offshore drilling.

If approved, the plan will allow for five separate companies to being exploratory seismic testing in an area from Delaware, to Cape Canaveral, Florida, extending out 350 nautical miles.

Environmental groups, like the Cape Fear Surfrider Foundation, the North Carolina Coastal Federation, Oceana, Dont Drill NC, as well asstateand community leadersare concerned about the potential for negative impacts to the states natural resources and environment.

Upon completion, the program for 2019-24 will replace the program for 2017-22, which was approved on Jan. 17.

The first meeting will be held in Wilmington on Monday, Aug. 7, at the New Hanover County Government Center, from 5 to 7 p.m. Two more will follow; the first in Morehead City on Aug. 9, and a final meeting in Manteo on Aug. 10.

These meetings will give residents a chance to voice their opinion to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. If you are unable to attend, but would still like to comment, written comments can be sent to Timothy Webster with the NCDEQ at 217 West Jones St., 1601 Mail Center Drive, Raleigh, N.C., 27699, or by email to timothy.webster@ncdenr.gov.

All comments are due by Aug. 15. For information, visit The Bureau of Ocean Energy Managements website at boem.gov.

Get in touch with Reporter Cory Mannion: follow him onFacebook,Twitter, or send an email atcory@localvoicemedia.com.

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Hearings set for potential offshore oil and gas activities off North Carolina coast - Port City Daily