Environmental Impact Statements; Availability, etc.: Geological and Geophysical Exploration on the Mid- and South Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf

I object to seismic testing and offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. As a citizen of/frequent visitor to North Carolina I value a clean and unspoiled coastline and respectthe ocean dwelling mammals swimming in our waters. Seismic testing would cause great harm and death to thousands of these creatures and that is simply unacceptable. By your own published estimates, at least 138,500 dolphins and whales will be injured or possibly killed by seismic airguns if your plan goes forward. This is not acceptable. Many scientists have objected because they know there will soon be much less destructive methods available to conduct mapping of oil and gas reserves in the Atlantic Ocean. Yet you have rejected that science and are pushing forward with a harmful seismic testing plan. I can only guess that the oil industry has heavily influenced your decision. This is not acceptable. I also object strenuously to offshore drilling in the North Carolina waters. As we know, the coastal waters here are referred to as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" due to the strong ocean currents, shifting sand, and unpredictable strong storms. It makes no sense to set up oil rigs in this environment and doing so is an invitation to disaster. I also object to offshore drilling off the coast of states to our North and South because ocean currents would bring any spilled oil to North Carolina. The Labrador Current flows south to our state and the Gulf Stream flows north to our state, meeting off of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Why do you want to jeopardize such a national treasure? This is not acceptable. Instead of such a plan, you should be pursuing renewable energy options such as wind and solar power. Floating offshore wind turbines would cause none of the harm expected from seismic testing and offshore drilling. MIT is developing methods to harness offshore wind even when the winds are still. Solar arrays would also cause no harm