News Summary

The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has proposed offshore oil and gas drilling along South Carolina’s coastline, causing alarm among local leaders and conservationists. With the state’s tourism industry valued at $30 billion, business leaders are worried about the potential environmental impact and risks of oil spills. The proposal, reversing a federal ban from 2022, has drawn bipartisan opposition. The Myrtle Beach Chamber and Coastal Conservation League are urging residents to voice their concerns before the June 16 deadline.

Myrtle Beach

The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced a proposal for offshore oil and gas drilling along South Carolina’s coastline, igniting significant concern from local leaders and conservation groups. The federal government contends that the initiative is intended to address energy needs while generating new employment opportunities in the region.

Concerns Over Environmental and Economic Impact

South Carolina’s tourism industry, valued at approximately $30 billion, is a major point of concern for local business leaders. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has expressed strong opposition to the drilling proposal, emphasizing the need to protect the beaches that are integral to tourism. Their stance extends beyond the South Atlantic, opposing all offshore drilling along U.S. coasts and in the Gulf of Mexico.

The potential risks associated with oil spills also weigh heavily on the minds of local leaders. Even with drilling operations located hundreds of miles away, the uncertainty surrounding an oil spill poses a direct threat to the Myrtle Beach area. This includes the potential for devastating environmental consequences and adverse impacts on local businesses that rely on pristine coastal conditions for their livelihoods.

Details of the Proposal

The proposed legislation is known as the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program, set to replace the previously approved 10th schedule. This proposal is part of a broader strategy initiated by President Donald Trump through an executive order to enhance domestic energy production. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has stated that the proposal is meant to promote responsible offshore energy development while simultaneously creating job opportunities.

Reversal of Previous Ban

The proposal signifies a notable reversal from a federal ban on offshore drilling enacted in 2022, which included protections for South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. This ban had garnered support from state leaders, including Governor Henry McMaster, who continues to advocate against offshore drilling. The possibility of renewed drilling activities stirs fears reminiscent of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, which resulted in widespread environmental damage and severely impacted ocean-dependent industries.

Bipartisan Opposition

Opposition to offshore drilling has emerged as a bipartisan issue. Rep. Nancy Mace has publicly voiced her disapproval of the proposal directed at BOEM, aligning with the concerns of various community leaders and environmental organizations. Taylor Allred from the Coastal Conservation League highlights that any potential oil spill poses a serious risk to marine habitats and the state’s economy, which heavily relies on the tourism sector. Community members share fears that drilling could disrupt the coastal way of life that many South Carolinians cherish.

Call to Action

In light of the proposed drilling program, the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Coastal Conservation League are actively encouraging residents to submit comments regarding the oil and gas schedule by June 16. Allred emphasizes that this comment period represents a critical opportunity for residents to advocate for the removal of the South Atlantic region from consideration for offshore drilling.

Conclusion

As the comment deadline approaches, the local community remains engaged and vocal about their concerns regarding the implications of offshore drilling along the South Carolina coastline. The outcome of this proposal not only impacts the state’s natural resources but also has significant ramifications for local businesses reliant on tourism and the overall health of South Carolina’s coastal environment.

In related news, a weather forecast for June 10, 2025, anticipates thunderstorms and rain, with close attention to temperatures and wind conditions in the area residents should be aware of as they engage in local discourse surrounding this crucial environmental issue.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• WPDE: Tornado Confirmed in Pawleys Island
• Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
• Count On 2: Hurricane Helene Threat
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Helene
• Myrtle Beach Online: Latest Weather Updates
• Google Search: South Carolina Weather Forecast
• WMBF News: Power Restoration Update
• Google News: South Carolina Tornado Threat
• On the Green Magazine: Storm Damage Update
• Horry News: Course Closures Due to Storm Damage

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.