§ 143-215.94AA. Declaration of public policy. - North Carolina Statutes

Part 2C.  Offshore Oil and Gas Activities. AdverseEnvironmental Impact Protection.

§ 143‑215.94AA.  Declaration of public policy.

The General Assembly hereby finds and declares as follows:

(1)        The traditional uses of the seacoast of the State are publicand private recreation, commercial and sports fishing, and habitat for naturalresources;

(2)        The preservation of these uses is a matter of the highesturgency and priority, and such uses can only be preserved effectively bymaintaining and enhancing the existing condition of the coastal waters,estuaries, wetlands, tidal flats, beaches, and public lands adjoining theseacoast;

(3)        The coastal economy, including access to the coast of theState, depends, either directly or indirectly, upon a ready and continuousreserve of petroleum products and by‑products, including that portion ofthe supply resulting from oil and gas activities on the Outer ContinentalShelf;

(4)        Offshore oil and natural gas exploration, production,processing, recovery, and transportation pose increased potential for damage tothe State's coastal environment, to the traditional uses of the area, and tothe beauty of the North Carolina coast;

(5)        Spills, discharges, and escapes of pollutants occurring as aresult of procedures involving offshore oil and natural gas related activitieshave occurred in the past, and future threats of potentially catastrophicproportions from such activities require adoption of this Part as mitigationagainst such events;

(6)        The economic burdens imposed by the General Assembly uponthose engaged in the offshore exploration, production, processing, recovery,and transportation of oil and natural gas are reasonable and necessary in lightof the traditional uses and interests herein protected, which are expresslydeclared to be of grave public interest and concern to the State in promotingits general interest and welfare promoting the public health, preventingdiseases, and providing for the public safety. (1989, c. 656, s. 5, c. 770, s. 75.5.)