North Carolina and other Atlantic Coast states could see far more jobs and benefits from developing offshore wind energy than drilling for oil and natural gas, according to a new study.
A Look Ahead at the Legislative Session
The N.C. General Assembly will start the new year with a few new faces, but the script will largely remain the same. Learn what’s on the environmental agenda in 2015.
Sutton Ash Plan Begins to Take Shape
Duke Energy hopes to ship much of the 7.2 million pounds of ash at the Wilmington power plant to reclaimed clay mines in Lee and Chatham counties.
View from N.C. Beaches: Surf, Dolphins and Oil Rigs?
Gov. Pat McCrory says testing for oil and gas should include state waters, too. If resources are found within three miles from shore, he would consider drilling there.
One Commission to Review Them All
The Rules Review Commission could ultimately alter key rules for enforcing environmental policy. Learn who the members are, what their power is and which constitutional question they’re sparking.
Old Hatteras Oil Well Draws State’s Attention
Core samples from a decades old oil test well near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse that was abandoned as a dry hole in 1946 will get another look as part of the state’s effort to expand oil and gas exploration.
What’s Next for the Sutton Plant?
Heavy metals from coal-ash ponds at the Sutton power plant near Wilmington continue to contaminate groundwater. As the state steps up coal-ash management, what’s next for the high-risk plant?
Lawmakers Weaken Wetlands Protections
In what has become an annual rite, the N.C. General Assembly Friday passed more regulatory changes that weaken environmental protections. Small pockets of coastal wetlands were in the crosshairs this time.
Now You See It… Now You Don’t
Some controversial coastal provisions that were included in earlier versions didn’t make it into the final state budget that Gov. Pat McCrory signed yesterday.
An End of Session Twist
The Senate came short of passing an omnibus bill, including several controversial environmental provisions, previously seen and rejected by the House.
Catlin Defends Changes to Coal Ash Bill
Rep. Rick Catlin of New Hanover County and the N.C. House have come under fire for amendments that opponents say weaken a bill to clean up coal ash ponds.
Environmental Bills Chug Along
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.
The House Budget and the Environment
The N.C. House released its version of the state budget, which contains a few conservation surprises.
Senate Budget and the Environment
Medicaid cuts and teacher raises grabbed the headlines, but the N.C. Senate’s proposed state budget contains numerous provisions that would affect environmental policy on the coast.
Bill Would Restrict Permit Challenges
A bill being considered by the N.C. Senate would limit people’s ability to challenge air and coastal development permits and virtually eliminate state protection of certain wetlands.
Coal Ash, Budget Dominate Opening Day
Gov. Pat McCrory yesterday introduced a bill to clean up four coal-ash sites, including one near Wilmington, and unveiled his budget proposal on the first day of the legislative session.
