Rep. Pat McElraft and Sen. Norm Sanderson told attendees at the annual Oyster Summit in Raleigh they plan to introduce legislation that addresses conflicts related to the state’s shellfish leasing program.
Health, Environment Central In Cooper’s Plan
Gov. Roy Cooper unveiled his proposed 2019-20 budget this week, a spending plan that would among other things overhaul water and sewer infrastructure across the state and upgrade DEQ labs.
Local Taxes Could Fund Storm Repairs, Inlets
Legislators included new ways to raise cash for coastal towns’ storm-related expenses and infrastructure needs, such as local-option sales taxes, in a spate of bills filed in recent days.
Cooper Testifies on Climate Change
Gov. Roy Cooper testified Wednesday before the House Natural Resources Committee, repeatedly stressing that now is the time to act on climate change.
Reckoning with Climate Change Ahead
In the wake of Hurricane Florence, the North Carolina General Assembly has given more attention to climate change, though some legislators remain skeptical.
Florence’s Toll: Room Tax Revenues In Focus
The loss of hotel and motel rooms, rental cottages and condos from Hurricane Florence damage has yet to become clear as North Carolina beach town officials begin their annual budget process.
Session Ahead: Oysters, Storm Damage, PFAS
Reports on shellfish mariculture initiatives, hurricane relief and GenX appear early on the agenda as the N.C. General Assembly ramps up its 2019 session.
2018 Dominated by GenX, Florence, Election
The past year brought Hurricane Florence, one of the state’s worst natural disasters, record turnout for the election, and continued efforts to manage GenX contamination.
Costly Fix for Florence’s Beach, Inlet Damage
Restoring beaches and inlets damaged by Hurricane Florence will mean moving mountains of sand and securing hundreds of millions of dollars.
Bill Would Ax Water, Park Trust Fund Boards
The state Senate Thursday advanced a bill that would eliminate the oversight boards for the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and four other boards.
Legislators Set to Review Storm-Relief Needs
State lawmakers are expected to consider another storm-relief spending package, including infrastructure and agriculture assistance, when they convene again after Thanksgiving.
New Faces Chosen In Some Coastal Districts
Harper Peterson appears to have edged out Sen. Michael Lee of New Hanover County, as Rep. Bob Steinberg takes outgoing Sen. Bill Cook’s place and Bobby Hanig wins the Outer Banks’s district House seat.
NC’s New Stance On Climate Change, Energy
The governor’s remarks last week on climate change and energy policy signaled a stark departure from the state’s past direction, but despite continued challenges in the legislature, attitudes may already be changing.
Bill Directs $400 Million to Florence Recovery
State legislators approved Senate Bill 3 in a unanimous vote, but environmental advocates and some lawmakers say the measure falls far short of what’s needed.
Cooper: $1.5 Billion In Storm Recovery Needs
As Hurricane Michael neared the Gulf Coast with North Carolina in the forecast track, Gov. Roy Cooper announced Wednesday that $1.5 billion is needed for long-term Hurricane Florence recovery needs.
Transportation Costs Could Total $266 Million
N.C. transportation officials presented damage reports, repair-time estimates and cost projections to a legislative committee Wednesday, framing Florence as North Carolina’s costliest storm.
