News Summary
U.S. Representative Russell Fry is pushing for a halt on offshore drilling along South Carolina’s coast to protect the Grand Strand’s economy and environment. He argues that the risks of drilling outweigh benefits, especially for a region that thrives on tourism. Local leaders and environmental advocates back Fry’s stance, emphasizing the need to safeguard jobs and natural resources. With ongoing discussions about the future of drilling, local communities are invoking public interest and sending comments to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management until mid-June.
MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina – U.S. Representative Russell Fry is advocating for a moratorium on offshore drilling along South Carolina’s coastline, emphasizing the need to protect the Grand Strand’s economy and environment. Fry argues that the potential economic and environmental risks posed by offshore drilling far outweigh any benefits that could arise from increased domestic oil production. The Grand Strand is known for being a major tourism hub, attracting over 18 million visitors each year who contribute approximately $13.2 billion to the local economy and support more than 82,000 jobs.
In April, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) resumed its evaluation of South Carolina for offshore drilling, considering locations along the state’s coast for its forthcoming five-year leasing plan. Some areas currently under moratorium are being reviewed, raising concerns among local leaders and environmental advocates about the potential impact on the region’s natural resources and tourism industry.
Fry, who supports President Trump’s energy policies that include increasing domestic oil production, has urged the Interior Secretary to uphold the current moratorium on offshore drilling for South Carolina. He has voiced apprehensions that offshore drilling could negatively affect tourism and coastal preservation in a region where these elements are integral to its identity and economic stability.
The moratorium on offshore drilling established by President Trump is set to expire in 2032 but was made permanent by President Biden in January 2025. This change has prompted further discussions about the future of offshore drilling in the South Carolina region.
Local business owners, environmental groups, and leaders from various sectors support Fry’s position against offshore drilling. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has taken a stance opposing such efforts, highlighting the potential environmental damage that could threaten local businesses reliant on tourism. Likewise, the Coastal Conservation League is advocating for the protection of South Carolina’s coastal resources and is in favor of Fry’s movement against offshore drilling.
As public interest continues to grow, the BOEM is currently accepting comments regarding the offshore drilling plan until June 16. In parallel, Governor Henry McMaster has sent a letter requesting that South Carolina be excluded from the National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, emphasizing the significance of maintaining the state’s pristine coastline.
Interestingly, while the Town Council of Surfside Beach recently voted against an official resolution opposing offshore drilling, the members expressed individual concerns over the matter. They are considering addressing the issue at state or federal levels instead of taking a standalone town stance. However, discussions are ongoing in Surfside Beach about potentially reversing an existing ban on exploring oil and gas off the coast.
In addition, Representative Nancy Mace has joined Fry in urging the administration to maintain the current moratorium on offshore drilling, referencing resolutions and opinion polls from coastal communities that have expressed their opposition to drilling activities.
The growing discussion around offshore drilling reflects the balance that local and federal leaders are striving to achieve between energy policy and economic sustainability. With a significant portion of South Carolina’s economy tied to tourism, Fry maintains that the unique economic realities of the region must be prioritized against the backdrop of energy strategies being considered at the national level.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
