RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Gov. Pat McCrory testified before a House congressional committee on Wedndesday about the benefits to North Carolina of expanded offshore energy exploration.

The hearing was before the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Energy and Mineral Land Resources Subcommittee, which discussed “Examining the Future Impacts of President Obama’s Offshore Energy Plan."

The governor's remarks conveyed his support for the inclusion of at least one lease sale in the Mid and South Atlantic in the next Five-Year Program for offshore oil and gas leasing, exploration and development.

The offshore effort has long been a priority for the governor.

The governor's full prepared statement can be found at governor.nc.gov.