(RALEIGH) – Republican lawmakers say allowing offshore drilling could create new jobs in the energy sector while boosting state revenue.

A bill filed in the state Senate would encourage Gov. Bev Perdue to enter a tri-state pact with governors in Virginia and South Carolina in order to seek federal approval and revenue-sharing agreements for drilling off the coast. The measure would also direct the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to examine the commercial potential of onshore shale gas sites as well the regulatory framework needed for proper oversight.
 
Sen. Harry Brown, R-Onslow, said the legislation could create more than 6,700 jobs and generate half a billion dollars in tax revenue. However, Brown pointed out that the impact wouldn't be immediate. “It's not something that's going to happen next year,” said Brown. “We've put this thing off. We’re looking probably 10 years out before we can maybe see the benefits of this. But we've got to start sometime and we think today is the day to start.”
 
The press conference was held exactly one year after a Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded, causing nearly 5 million barrels of oil to spill into the Gulf of Mexico. Sen. Bob Rucho, R-Mecklenburg, acknowledged the irony of holding a press conference on the anniversary of the BP disaster. He also downplayed concerns that the proposal would pose a threat to the coastal environment. “The industry has already found ways – as sophisticated as it is – already found ways to be sure that oil exploration and production can be done in a safe manner,” said Rucho.
 
Opponents of the idea worry that an oil spill would cause serious damage to the tourism and fishing Environment North Carolina policy advocate Margaret Hartzell said the state should be focusing more on renewable energy sources such as wind or solar. “We should not be considering legislation that would expand offshore drilling while doing nothing to make the practice safer,” said Hartzell.
 
Rucho said he expects the bill to get its first hearing next week.