This week the House and Senate passed The Energy Modernization Act (SB 786), which expands the ability for energy exploration in North Carolina. We must take advantage of the economic opportunity and prosperity that lies beneath our great state. This is a jobs bill that will bring high paying jobs to North Carolina and tap our vital energy potential.

Energy development is not a partisan issue; in fact, it is a common sense issue that produces high economic growth and low unemployment. After years of debate on the issue of natural gas exploration and studying the best practices across the nation, we are ready to move forward with proper environmental oversight. Time to bring jobs, energy and opportunity to the state of North Carolina.