A bill that revamps the state’s regulatory commissions emerged from a N.C. House committee yesterday without many of the provisions that have drawn criticism since the bill first passed the state Senate almost three weeks ago.
Renewable Energy, LID on Environmental Agenda
We take a look at some of the environmental issues that will likely come up during the legislative session, which began in earnest when the N.C. General Assembly convened last night.
Some Want More Study of Wood Pellet Plans
The N.C. Coastal Federation has asked for an environmental study of state plans for a wood pellet shipping facility at the port in Morehead City. Others think more safeguards are needed to protect the state’s forests.
Can Our Forests Safely Power Europe?
The rapid growth of the wood pellet industry in North Carolina has raised questions about how the surge to meet the demand of European power companies will affect the state’s 18 million acres of woodlands.
New Legislature, Governor Get to Work
For the first time in modern N.C. history, Republicans control the state legislature and the governor’s mansion. What that will mean for the state’s environment is still an open question.
Federation Urges CRC to Pass Groin Rules
The panel’s chairman, though, defends the decision to rely instead on a federal process to ensure that the requirements of a state law on terminal groins are met.
Groin Project Would Benefit One Family Most Directly
Family members of the late Odell Williamson own most of the properties that would benefit directly from a proposed terminal groin project at Ocean Isle Beach, according to an analysis by the N.C. Coastal Federation.
Toxic Air Battle Joined Anew
A battle that began earlier this year over legislation cutting back the state’s air toxics program starts up anew this week when state regulators seek public comment on changes to regulations on toxic air emissions.
Creosote Plant Now Superfund Site
Federal and state agencies are studying the extent of contamination at an old creosote plant in Navassa that is now a Superfund site and how best to fix the damage.
Will She or Won’t She?
Gov. Beverly Perdue has until 11:59 p.m. Thursday to decide whether to veto several bills, including a much-maligned bill on future sea-level rise.
Legislature Tips Its Hand on Offshore Drilling
Fracking was the energy issue of the last session of the General Assembly, but that doesn’t mean that the pro-drilling legislature has forgotten about offshore.
Sea-Level Rise Debate Brings Curtain Down
The N.C. House approved a watered-down but still controversial bill on sea-level rise in one of last acts of the legislative session.
New Bill on Sea-Level Rise Yet to Surface
As adjournment nears, legislators are still seeking a compromise on the controversial sea-level rise bill that passed the N.C. Senate but was rejected by the House.
Clean Water Fund Gets Whacked Again
The state budget passed this week by the N.C. General Assembly cuts the appropriation to the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund to the lowest level in the agency’s history, leading its director to wonder if the state’s leading conservation fund can survive.
Senate Panel OKs Sea-Level Rise Bill
Unfazed by a barrage of worldwide criticism and outright ridicule, the Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Committee yesterday approved a bill that restricts the use of scientific modeling to predict future sea-level rise.
Bill Would Revamp Coastal Commission
A bill being considered in the N.C. Senate would reduce the number of members of the Coastal Resources Commission, a move some fear would weaken the panel.
