July 8, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contacts:
Caitie Forde-Smith, Communications Director at caitiefs@scccl.org or (252) 714-4790
Alan Hancock, Energy and Climate Advocacy Director at alanh@scccl.org or (803) 361-1693
Coastal Conservation League cheers state’s rejection of seismic request
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Today, the state’s Department of Health and Environmental Control announced it would not support a federal permit application from WesternGeco, LLC, for proposed seismic testing in federal waters off South Carolina’s coast.
More than 1,700 South Carolinians weighed in during the agency’s Coastal Zone Consistency review of the permit application. Every comment opposed seismic testing. DHEC determined that the proposed seismic activities were not consistent with its coastal management policies. You can read more on its decision here.
In response, Conservation League Executive Director Laura Cantral said:
DHEC made the right call today, and its decision is grounded in the best available science and input from South Carolinians. All 1,720 comments submitted to the state agency opposed seismic testing.
This is yet another signal to Washington that dangerous seismic testing, the precursor to offshore oil and gas drilling, is not up for debate in our state. The Trump administration should immediately dismiss its dangerous plans and protect communities that rely on a healthy and vibrant coast.
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The Coastal Conservation League is a nonprofit advocacy and conservation organization whose mission is to protect South Carolina’s natural landscapes, abundant wildlife, clean water and quality of life by working with citizens, local government and the state legislature. Learn more and get involved at www.coastalconservationleague.org. Celebrating 30 years — 1989 to 2019.