Time is running out to comment on proposed oil and gas drilling off the South Atlantic coastline and to weigh in on seismic testing.

Drilling

Click here to go to the summary page from the BOEM which includes a map of the areas proposed for drilling and a summary of the plan.  Click the blue “Comment Now” button on the top right of that page to submit a comment.  They need to hear from you by March 31.

Seismic Testing

Seismic testing for oil and gas is scheduled to begin possibly this year.  This highly controversial method for hunting petroleum deposits is suspected to harm fish, whales, dolphins and other marine life.  A protest letter signed by 75 leading marine scientists was sent to President Obama asking him to not allow seismic testing in the Atlantic, warning that testing “is likely to have significant, long-lasting and widespread effects on the reproduction and survival of fish and marine mammals”.  You can read more about it here.  To find out more about the permitting and comment process click here.  A public hearing has been scheduled for April 9, 2015 in Morehead City.  To comment on seismic testing email Michele Walker at the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management.  They will take comments until the hearing on April 9.