On Thursday, Public Policy Polling released survey findings showing that 7 in 10 North Carolinians are concerned about drilling in coastal waters. The poll, conducted last week, began the day after Governor Roy Cooper publicly stated his opposition to expanding offshore drilling along the Atlantic coast. Cooper's announcement came in response to the Trump administration's stated goal of opening that area and other U.S. coastal waters to more drilling.
More than 900 residents were surveyed on a host of environmental and economic topics. Results show large majorities with concerns about oil spills, and the environment in general. More than twice as many residents support investment in renewable energy—like wind and solar—over additional drilling offshore.