By Catherine M. Welch
Wilmington, NC – Congressman Mike McIntyre and eight other members of the North Carolina delegation helped the House pass legislation allowing off shore drilling.
In a released statement the 7th District Democrat called the bill, "a step forward toward energy dependence." And McIntyre said he wants royalties from oil drilled off North Carolina's coast to go toward beach nourishment and environmental protection.
In Raleigh, Governor Mike Easley called on North Carolina's delegation to make sure the state owns its rights to any offshore oil supplies.
Opponents say it will take years before drilling boosts the nation's oil supply or lowers prices.
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