TO EXPRESS THE SUPPORT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF SEISMIC SURVEY ACTIVITIES OFF SOUTH CAROLINA'S COAST AND THE POTENTIAL ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF DOMESTIC ENERGY PRODUCTION FOR THE STATE.

Whereas, the United States Department of the Interior lifted a ban that would allow for new offshore oil and gas drilling in nearly all of the coastal waters of the United States in an attempt to bolster domestic energy production; and

Whereas, exploratory and commercial drilling, extraction, and transportation of offshore oil and gas in South Carolina would generate over 35,000 jobs by 2035, more than four billion dollars in annual added economic activity, and almost four billion dollars in new state revenue; and

Whereas, South Carolina's agriculture, business, manufacturing and individual households would each benefit from lower energy costs and improved energy security as a result of expanded United States energy production; and

Whereas, in order to efficiently find the oil deposits, companies must complete seismic surveys to accurately pinpoint locations to save money and avoid building unnecessary oil wells; and

Whereas, despite the criticism against certain survey techniques, seismic surveys can be completed through safe methods including the use of a water gun to inject water to produce an acoustic vibration that can be read by the survey equipment and interpreted to reveal geologic features underneath the seafloor; and

Whereas, the General Assembly is excited about this opportunity to reap massive economic benefits through domestic energy production while protecting the coast through reasonable regulations promulgated by the state and federal government. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, express their support of seismic survey activities off South Carolina's coast and the potential economic and environmental benefits of domestic energy production for the State.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and the South Carolina Congressional delegation.