Important Meeting On Oil Shell Gas Here in Sanford

The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources has scheduled a public meeting for Oct. 10 in Sanford as the department prepares to spend the coming months studying the potential environmental and economic impacts of shale gas exploration and development in North Carolina.
Session Law 2011-276 directed DENR to study the issue of oil and gas exploration in the state and to specifically focus on the use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to extract shale gas. During the study, DENR will conduct at least two public meetings in the area of the state where a potential shale gas resource exists.
An internal DENR working group, including staff from the divisions of Air Quality, Water Quality, Land Resources, Water Resources and Waste Management, has put together a draft plan for the study. The public meeting is designed to present this draft plan of study and to receive input from the public on any additional issues that need to be addressed in the study.
The meeting is scheduled for Oct. 10 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in Sanford at the McSwain Extension Education & Agriculture Center, located at 2420 Tramway Road. Written comments on this draft plan of study will be accepted through Oct. 18, in addition to any feedback received at the Oct. 10 public meeting.
Written comments can be sent via e-mail to Shale_gas_comments@ncdenr.gov; or through the mail to NCDENR, attn: Trina Ozer, 1601 MSC, Raleigh, N.C., 27699.
At least one more public hearing will be held during the winter to gather input on the draft study report.
NCDENR has also set up a website that will provide an overview of the shale gas issue; describe current regulations associated with shale gas exploration; explain how the department will study the issue (and provide study results when complete); and guide the public in how to receive updates on the study, as well as how to provide comment on the issue. This website can be found by visiting DENR’s home page – www.ncdenr.gov – and clicking on the “Shale Gas” tab near the center of the page.

Sigificant Benefits of Oil Shale Development

 • Public sector revenue distribution in the form of ad valorem property and production taxes,
severance taxes, royalties, sales and use taxes, and various license and fee revenues for affected governments and the state.
 • Economic expansion and diversification. Oil shale is likely to become commercial as natural gas drilling begins to wind down.
 • Educational growth, skill development, and opportunities to educate and train a sustainable workforce.  The area can become  center for unconventional energy research and development.
 • Increased opportunities for existing local businesses and growth of opportunity for new
business development.
 • Long-term employment opportunities including high paying jobs in the oil shale and supporting
industries, creation of numerous support industry jobs across a wide range of skills and occupations, a source of workforce retention and attraction versus out-migration, and expansion of regional commercial and service industries.
 • Fiscal support for public sector infrastructure including enhancements in transportation, community services, health care, and social services through public sector revenue distribution.

Source 

FOX Report on Shale Oil Production

America's Oil Shale Development

Educational Video for the National Oil Shale Association examining the benefits of America's oil shale development. Energy is the life blood of our society and America needs to consider all forms of alternative energy, including wind, solar, hydroelectric, biofuels, as well as oil shale.

How To Get Natural Gas Safely Out of the Ground