Senate leader Marc Basnight chose experts on marine policy and oil and coastal officials for a task force on offshore drilling.

The Manteo Democrat named half of the 24 members of a task force that could spend as much as $100,000 and over a year looking into the state's position on drilling off the coast.

Former UNC-Wilmington chancellor James Leutze was his pick for co-chair. Leutze is a member of the Coastal Resources Commission and former member of the Marine Fisheries Commission.

Overall, Basnight's appointees include more scientists and local officials than industry representatives.

Other appointees include professors of nuclear engineering, marine sciences, marine affairs and environmental policy; representatives of natural gas and petroleum interests; a mayor, editor and publisher from coastal towns; and a Chamber of Commerce head from the coast.

After the jump, the names and job titles of Basnight's other 11 appointees.

Related: Hackney's appointees to drilling task force

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Legislative leaders have named the members of a task force on offshore drilling.

The 24-member committee will look into the economic and environmental impacts of allowing drilling for oil and natural gas off the coast of North Carolina.

The members were appointed by House Speaker Joe Hackney and Senate leader Marc Basnight, who have said they expect the study could cost as much as $100,000 and take a year to complete.

They include co-chairs James Leutze, former chancellor of UNC-Wilmington, and Dr. Doug Rader, chief oceans scientist for the Environmental Defense Fund.

In a statement, Basnight said the task force would take "a long, careful look" at the costs and benefits of drilling.

Hackney echoed that statement, noting that drilling is "irreversible." 

"We must fully appreciate what we’re doing before we take such a step," he said.

After the jump, the members.

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