Carolinas say “yes”, Florida says “no” to Atlantic coast seismic surveys

May 5, 2015
The Carolinas and Florida are going in opposite directions regarding federal permits for offshore seismic surveying.

Offshore staff

CHARLESTON, South Carolina – The Carolinas and Florida are going in opposite directions regarding federal permits for offshore seismic surveying.

BothNorth Carolina and South Carolina have signed off the initial federal permits. South Carolina certified a project by Spectrum GEO while North Carolina has approved permits for Spectrum and GX Technology.

On the other hand, US Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Florida) has filed legislation to block any seismic permits on Florida's Atlantic coast. The administration of Governor Rick Scott also has asked for postponement of seismic work in federal waters of the Atlantic.

Florida already has a ban on drilling off its Gulf of Mexico coast until 2022 as part of legislation passed in 2006.

5/5/15