MICHAEL BIESECKER, Associated Press
Officials Hold Private Oil Drilling Talks
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – Officials from North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia are meeting privately with federal regulators and groups funded by oil and gas companies to discuss plans for drilling off the Atlantic coast.
Environmental Groups Seek Meeting Access
Environmentalists sought to be allowed inside Thursday’s Mid-Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Five-Year Program meeting at the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Raleigh. State Energy Policy Advisor Donald van der Vaart said the event was invitation-only at the request of federal officials because the “inclusion of special interest groups and industry” could present a conflict of interest.
Oil Company Influence on Meeting Agenda
However, the meeting’s agenda includes at least three speakers from private groups funded by ExxonMobil, BP, Halliburton, Koch Industries and others.
Media Limited to Governor's Closing Remarks
Only closing remarks by North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory will be opened to the media.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
