The Trump administration should not ignore the objections of every coastal community in his home state that opposes off-shore seismic blast-testing, according to U.S. Rep. Tom Rice (R-SC).
“As you consider applications, I urge you not to ignore South Carolina’s objections to seismic blast-testing and decisions of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control,” Rep. Rice wrote in an Oct. 22 letter sent to U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. “The objections of the people of South Carolina to seismic testing proposals should not be disregarded.”
Currently, the United States has an abundance of recoverable oil and gas resources, according to the congressman’s letter, thereby negating the benefits associated with the development of energy resources off the coast of South Carolina.
“Furthermore, South Carolina residents, businesses, community leaders, and local governments have considered the costs and benefits of offshore oil and gas exploration,” Rep. Rice wrote, and “are strongly opposed to seismic blast-testing.”
Rep. Rice added that it would be “irresponsible to put the livelihoods of residents in communities at risk by permitting seismic blast-testing.”