Last week, while tempers flared in the N.C. General Assembly over the state budget, the long-awaited coal ash legislation passed the state Senate and the House approved its versions of a diverse set of regulatory changes.
Archives
Outer Banks Bag Ban Has Birthday
This is the five-year anniversary of a ban on plastic bags in retail stores on the Outer Banks. What difference has it made?
No Sand on Shack, Park Says
After listening to the public and consulting the experts, the superintendent of Cape Lookout National Seashore decided to back away from his controversial request that dredged sand be considered to shore up the eroding end of Shackleford Banks.
Isolated Wetlands: A Primer
What’s so “isolated” about them and why do some legislators want to remove state protections?
New Advisory Group to Help Federation
The N.C. Coastal Federation announced the formation of a President’s Council to help the group broaden its base and influence.
Jennette’s Pier: Fishing for Answers
Locals are perplexed as to why the state House wants to sell Jennette’s Pier, a popular place in Nags Head for tourists, residents and school groups.
Study Finds Heavy Metals in Oysters
In the second of two parts, we detail the levels of heavy metals a recent study found in oysters in Brunswick and New Hanover counties.
What’s in Those Oysters You’re Eating?
A recent study takes a closer look at what’s accumulating in the oysters of Brunswick and New Hanover counties. In the first of two parts, we detail the research of a contaminant banned in Europe but commonly used here.
A Bang for the Oyster Buck
Restoring oyster reefs and building marshes are good for the coastal environment and economy, bringing jobs and tax revenue to local communities, according to a recent federal study.
Groups Critical of Ports’ Wood Pellet Studies
The Ports Authority claims that wood pellet plants in Morehead City and Wilmington would have no significant effects on the environment. Others seek a more thorough evaluation.
A Wetland for Wood Storks
Our naturalist Sam Bland kayaks through a wetland along our southeast coast and into the heart of a wood stork rookery. Here are his story and amazing photos.
Deal Signed for Hammocks Beach Land
The long-running legal battle over 289 mainland acres adjacent to Hammocks Beach State Park is over. Both parties signed an agreement Wednesday that will lead to the eventual expansion of the park.
CRC Chairman Avoids Climate Dust Up
The chairman of the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission defused a potentially explosive issue in the sea-level rise debate by appointing a respected geologist to the CRC’s panel of science advisers.
The House Budget and the Environment
The N.C. House released its version of the state budget, which contains a few conservation surprises.
Coastal Sketch: Ernie Foster
Meet Ernie Foster, whose father launched the charter fishing industry on Hatteras Island. He represents the watermen of the Outer Banks on the N.C. Coastal Federation’s Board of Directors.
Teaching Center and Budget Math
The N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching has made it through the N.C. Senate budget after being eliminated in Gov. Pat McCrory’s version. Next up is the N.C. House.
