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With all the shouting over proposed oil drilling in ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) in
Alaska, and the battle over federal leases that would start up off shore oil drilling off the coast of California and Florida, little has been said nationally about a potential threat to coastal North Carolina. North Carolina is the only state on the East Coast not included in a moratorium on off shore oil exploration. Chevron USA apparently wants to drill a test well 2,000 feet deep in offshore waters near the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Local fisherman have nicknamed the area "The Point" because it is one of the most productive and dynamic areas for sport and commercial fishing along the Atlantic coast. "The Point" which is 45 miles northeast of Cape Hatteras is also one of the most biodiverse areas in existence with cold polar currents mixing with the warm Gulf Stream stirring up sediments and nutrients for an unparalleled marine environment for a wide variety of marine life and birds. The area is on the federal nomination list for Essential Fish Habitat as well as Habitat Area of Particular Concern. In addition, to environmental concerns offshore, there are economic concerns onshore with business leaders saying oil drilling could damage tourism and recreation. Cape Hatteras is also well known for dangerous storms and hurricanes that could lead to disastrous oil spills. |
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North Carolina, the only thing missing in this
picture is the off shore oil derricks! |
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AskEarthman is a project of the non-profit Ask Earthman
Foundation. |
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ECO ALERT
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California: Federal Judge Claudia Wilken has ruled that the
ocean off the coast of central California can not be explored for new deposits of gas and oil until there are governmental environmental impact studies and the California Coastal Commission approves the plan. |
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Why are these Big Horn Sheep at Risk?
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Did you know that Joshua Tree National Park, located just
north of Palm Springs, California has the worst air pollution of any national park? It is due in part to the air pollution that drifts from Los Angeles. This smog burns the leaves of plants that Big Horn Sheep eat. Less food, less sheep. |