The Republican Governor of South Carolina Urges Trump Administration to Exclude State from Offshore Oil and Gas Plan

On Monday, the Republican governor of South Carolina made a plea to the Trump administration to keep his state out of an upcoming plan to expand offshore oil and gas production. Governor Henry McMaster expressed concerns about the potential impact on South Carolina’s $29 billion tourism industry, citing the state’s pristine coastline and popular destinations like Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach.

The Trump administration is currently seeking public input on a new federal offshore oil and gas leasing program that could include additional zones in the Arctic and other areas to boost domestic energy production. The current five-year plan, established under former President Joe Biden, only includes three sales of oil and gas development rights in the Gulf of Mexico, a significant decrease from previous lease programs.

In a letter addressed to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Governor McMaster emphasized that offshore drilling is not in the best interest of South Carolina. He highlighted the state’s environmental concerns and the potential risks to its coastal communities and industries. McMaster’s stance aligns with a joint letter sent to the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management by both South Carolina and North Carolina governors, urging the administration to maintain the ban on drilling off their coasts.

President Donald Trump implemented the ban, which remains in effect until 2032, shortly before the 2020 presidential election in a move to garner support from voters. His earlier proposal to expand offshore drilling faced opposition from bipartisan states along the Eastern seaboard.

As South Carolina voices its concerns about the impact of offshore drilling on its economy and environment, the state joins a growing number of regions advocating for the preservation of their coastlines and industries. Governor McMaster’s appeal to the Trump administration reflects the state’s commitment to protecting its natural resources and supporting sustainable economic growth.

(Source: Reuters – Reporting by Nichola Groom; Editing by Mark Porter)