A coalition of environmental groups, small businesses, and elected officials in the state say offshore wind energy is a portal to good jobs, renewable, clean energy. And it's dramatically under-planned and underfunded in North Carolina. As WHQR’s Rachel Lewis Hilburn reports, the coalition is asking Congress to renew support for offshore wind energy – against a ticking clock.
The group is calling on state and federal officials to ramp-up support for offshore wind farms in the Atlantic by extending a federal tax credit that expires at the end of the year.
Wilmington City Councilman Kevin O’Grady, Wrightsville Beach Mayor David Cignotti and State House Representative Susi Hamilton – along with environmental groups, the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses -- have signed a letter to the President in support of wind energy.
According to a report by the National Wildlife Federation, North Carolina has more offshore wind energy resources than any other Atlantic Coast state. But efforts to explore that potential have dissolved since 2010.
Possible areas for wind power development include federal waters off the coasts of Southport, Sunset Beach, Cape Lookout, Cape Hatteras, and the northern Outer Banks.
