The main topic of discussion today in the Public Utilities committee meeting was Senate Bill 709, the "Energy Jobs Act". The primary sponsors Representatives Rucho, Brown, and Tucker were joined by Co-Sponsors Representatives Gunn, Rouzer, Soucek, Allran, and Brock. The bill called for a more proactive than retroactive look on green energy jobs and natural gas availability off the coast of North Carolina. Arguing that Virginia’s governor has already supported the exploration of offshore drilling, Rep. Rucho argued that we must take advantage of this opportunity financially, as well as environmentally.
The state of North Carolina would receive $500 million a year from Virginia in royalty payments and will support job growth. That is, if the state deems the natural gas found off the coast to be a substantial amount. Additionally, the bill supports the studying of shale quality in Western North Carolina to see if that industry could support North Carolina energy independence and job creation as well.
Among a few dissenters, Rep. Harrison stated that such exploration and/or drilling would destroy our coast’s beauty, thus drastically offsetting any job or financial gains with a massive loss of tourism jobs and tourist money the state receives every year. A representative of a prominent environmental association echoed these sentiments.
All in all, Rep. Blackwell’s wording choice amendment failed, but the bill received a favorable report in committee, with only two ‘no’ votes; Rep. Harrison being one of them.
