Industry supporters have started an ad blitz in southern U.S. states, arguing offshore oil and gas exploration can exist side-by-side with the environment. North Carolina Petroleum Council Executive Director David McGowan is among those behind a campaign organized with the help of the American Petroleum Industry. McGowan and others say opening Atlantic basins up to oil and gas drillers would bring net benefits to the region. “With new technologies, offshore energy development is safer than ever and continues to drive coastal U.S. economies while existing with tourism and fishing,” McGowan said in a statement. The U.S. Interior Department in February released a draft proposal for 2017-22 for access to federal waters. Ten leases are planned for the Gulf […]