growth without undue stress was emphasized. In the South Atlantic region, 

 the general feeling seems to be one of accepting OCS activity as long 

 as the states have a final say-so on planning for the inevitable socio- 

 economic and environmental changes which will take place (33). 



Two recent developments have taken place which may affect OCS impacts 

 on economic and social systems. One took place in the late summer of 1976; 

 President Ford signied a $1.6 billion bill which set up a system of "energy 

 impact" aid to help coastal states cope with changes accompanying speeded-up 

 oil and gas development offshore. The bill provides for loans and grants 

 over eight years to help planning, programs and construction related to off- 

 shore energy activities. 



If, for example, a coastal community's school population were increased 

 because of workers who moved there as a result of intensified oil drilling 

 in offshore waters, the community could get a loan or grant to build a new 

 school. 



The law contains three main sections: $800 million for an "energy impact 

 fund," $400 million for Outer Continental Shelf formula grants and $464 million 

 for related planning and research. The impact money includes loan, grant 

 and bond guarantees to provide the public facilities needed to meet energy 

 activities offshore. 



The formula grants will pay for loss to recreation or the ecology from 

 drilling and production, or for some related services. The other money goes 

 for settling coastal zone standards, guaranteeing public access to public 

 beaches, extending state planning assistance and conducting new research 

 or studies. 



Through this plan many of the obvious socio economic impacts may be 



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