A HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING CONGRESS TO ALLOW NORTH cAROLINA TO DETERMINE WHETHER OFFSHORE EXPLORATION AND DRILLING SHOULD BE ALLOWED OFf THE COAST OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, North Carolinians and all Americans are suffering from record high gasoline prices; and
Whereas, federal moratoria prohibit oil and natural gas drilling, exploration, and production in the State of North Carolina's outer continental shelf (OCS); and
Whereas, the State of North Carolina and all coastal states should have the right to determine on their own whether such drilling, exploration, and production should be permitted along their coasts; and
Whereas, H.R. 6108, the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2008 would permit states to make such energy decisions off their coasts; and
Whereas, according to the United States Department of Interior, there are an estimated 3.82 billion barrels' worth of oil and 36.99 trillion cubic feet of natural gas on the Atlantic OCS; and
Whereas, Congress and the President should eliminate policies, such as the OCS moratoria, which artificially limit oil supply and thereby increase gasoline prices; and
Whereas, lower energy costs and more reliable energy markets in North Carolina would promote economic growth and prosperity; and
Whereas, according to the United States House Committee on Natural Resources staff, the State of North Carolina would receive about $23.82 billion in royalties over a 30‑40 year period through revenue sharing from OCS leases; and
Whereas, offshore oil drilling off the coast of North Carolina would lead to significant job growth for coastal communities; and 
Whereas, the United States Department of Energy has stated, "Advanced, more energy‑efficient drilling and production…practically eliminate spills from offshore platforms"; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The North Carolina House of Representatives urges the North Carolina Congressional Delegation to support H.R. 6108, The Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2008, or other similar legislation that gives North Carolina the authority to determine whether offshore drilling should be permitted along its coast.
SECTION 2.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the President of the United States and to each member of the United States Congress representing North Carolina.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.