Offshore energy panel hear from public

WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) - A North Carolina panel exploring energy available off the state's coast hears from the public about the choices ahead.

The Offshore Energy Exploration Study Committee meets on Tuesday in Wilmington. The panel created by the General Assembly earlier this year holds a public comment session on the University of North Carolina at Wilmington campus.

The committee's interim report filed in May said there may be a significant amount of oil and gas deposits in federal waters under the Outer Continental Shelf off North Carolina.

The panel said North Carolina also could produce a signficant part of its energy by harnassing offshore wind, especially north of Cape Hatteras.

The committee's final recommendations are due next May.