Destination NMB Encourages Community to Speak Up Against Offshore Drilling

Offshore drilling and seismic testing are banned off the coast oft the Grand Strand, but the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is revisiting the possibility of opening our coast to oil exploration through the recently created 11th National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program.

This could potentially open North Myrtle Beach and the entire Grand Strand area to the harmful effects of offshore drilling, which include harm to marine life, reduction in fish catch rates, and risk of catastrophic oil spills.

Destination North Myrtle Beach is strongly opposed to offshore drilling due to the dangerous environmental impacts that can negatively impact tourism and local businesses. We encourage our members and the community to voice their concerns and join us in opposing offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. BOEM is taking public comments through June 16.

To make the process easier, we’ve included a sample comment below that you can copy and paste to get started.

As a resident of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, I am writing to oppose new oil and gas exploration and lease sales in all federal waters, especially in the Atlantic Ocean.

Oil spills leave a legacy of destruction for people and wildlife. Seismic blasting for oil and gas exploration causes significant harm to marine life and can reduce fish catch rates, which is detrimental to fishing activities and coastal economies.

As a region, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, welcomed over 18 million visitors who contributed more than $13 billion in direct spending in 2024. Tourism supports over 82,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Grand Strand Area. Our healthy coasts keep our economy thriving; seismic blasting and offshore drilling put them at serious risk.

North Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand area overwhelmingly opposes an expansion of offshore drilling. Tourism is the bedrock of my community, and a healthy ocean environment is crucial for our community to thrive. A major oil spill would have long-lasting consequences for small businesses, fisheries, and the thousands of jobs that rely on a healthy coastal environment.

Additional Information

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Submit a Public Comment to BOEM on Offshore Drilling

Additional Template Letter to BOEM

BOEM Map & Five-Year Plan Fact Sheet

BOEM Map Outlining Areas Under Consideration