McClatchy Washington Bureau

Despite a push by some in the South Carolina business community to drill for oil off shore, geologists say such efforts will bring no quick relief at the pump. Those same scientists say the waters off the Palmetto State have little oil to offer.

The Charleston-based Citizens for Sound Conservation began a statewide campaign this week called "Bury the Ban" and is urging Congress to allow the ban on offshore drilling, in place since 1981, to expire. The ban will do so Sept. 30 unless Congress renews it.

The Charleston group -- with members from the manufacturing, home building, real estate, utility, maritime and port industries -- says lifting the ban would free the country to pursue energy independence by tapping oil and natural gas resources that are currently untouched

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