Sanford expressing doubts on seismic testing offshore SC

– U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford is expressing doubts about backing the new drive to hunt for oil and natural gas offshore.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reports the Republican congressman as saying the more he’s learning about using seismic air guns to test what’s below the sea floor the more he’s leaning against it. The public won’t learn what companies doing the seismic surveys find and won’t be able to weigh the pros and cons.

Supporters said offshore drilling could mean thousands of jobs and new revenue. Opponents warned that spills could endanger fisheries and the state’s $18 billion tourism industry.

Twenty communities in the Carolinas, including Charleston, are on record against seismic testing, offshore drilling or both.

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Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.postandcourier.com

This story was originally published April 9, 2015 at 8:46 PM with the headline "Sanford expressing doubts on seismic testing offshore SC."