CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) – The cities of Charleston and Myrtle Beach are both taking up resolutions opposing offshore drilling and the use of seismic testing to survey for oil and natural gas off the South Carolina coast.
City councils in both communities consider the resolutions during their meetings on Tuesday.
If the resolution is passed in Charleston, the city would become the largest in the state opposing offshore drilling. Myrtle Beach is the heart of the state’s $18 billion tourism industry.
To date, seven coastal communities in South Carolina and 12 in North Carolina are on record against drilling.
Opponents of offshore drilling worry that spills could damage fisheries and the important coastal tourism industry. Supporters say drilling can be done safely and will mean jobs and new revenues.
