Governor Cooper Joins More Than 125 Coastal Communities in Opposing Offshore Drilling

Chapel Hill, N.C.- The following is a statement by Sierra Weaver, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center regarding today’s announcement by North Carolina Governor Cooper that he is joining more than 125 coastal communities in opposing offshore drilling off the Atlantic coast.

“Today Governor Cooper listened to all of North Carolina’s coastal communities who’ve been calling for the protection of our coast. As Governor Cooper underscored, there’s just too much at risk for North Carolina with offshore drilling—beautiful white sand beaches that draw tourists from around the world, rich estuaries and fishing industry, and a whole Southern and coastal way of life,” said Sierra Weaver, senior attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center.  “Now it’s time for President Trump to do the same.  Presidents have long recognized that states’ interests matter in whether coasts should be opened to risky offshore drilling.  North Carolina has spoken.  It’s time for Washington to listen.”

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About The Southern Environmental Law Center:
The Southern Environmental Law Center is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. With nine offices across the region (Charlottesville, VA; Chapel Hill, NC; Atlanta, GA; Charleston, SC; Washington, DC; Birmingham, AL; Nashville, TN; Asheville, NC; and Richmond, VA), SELC is widely recognized as the Southeast’s foremost environmental organization and regional leader. SELC works on a full range of environmental issues to protect the South’s natural resources and the health and well-being of all the people in our region. www.SouthernEnvironment.org