A recent report found that government buyouts for getting people out of floodplains haven’t worked, partly because residents return or relocate to areas proven vulnerable to flooding.
Legislators Set to Take On Storm Response
The legislative session that begins Tuesday is likely just the start in terms of the N.C. General Assembly’s response to Hurricane Florence, as state agencies continue to assess the needs.
Amid Evacuations, NC 12 Open … For Now
As thousands depart North Carolina’s Outer Banks this week in advance of Hurricane Florence, state transportation officials are busy working to keep N.C. 12 open to traffic.
House Approves Revised Amendments
The state House Friday approved new language for two constitutional amendments for the November ballot, dropping a provision challenged by environmental groups to strip the governor’s powers to appoint members of state boards and commissions.
Pivotal Fall Ahead For GenX Research, Action
A network of university researchers is set to present plans and objectives for studying GenX and other compounds next month, as environmental regulators consider next steps.
Panel Backs State’s GenX Health Goal
The state environmental and health secretaries’ Science Advisory Board recommended Monday that officials continue to use a health goal for GenX of 140 parts per trillion.
On Ballot this Fall, an Historic Power Struggle
Five former N.C. governors urged voters to reject the constitutional amendments the legislature has approved for the ballot in November’s election, as the Southern Environmental Law Center and the NAACP launch a court challenge.
Test Case for Oceanfront Development Risks
In real estate, location is everything, and the perilous site of the Kure Beach condominium complex called The Riggings make it a textbook example of challenges in managing coastal development.
New Rule Latest Effort to Save The Riggings
The legislature in June threw a lifeline to The Riggings, a condo complex in Kure Beach threatened by erosion since its construction, but the sandbag rule change is just another short-term fix in a losing battle with the ocean.
Independence Day on the NC Coast
A July Fourth fireworks display lights up the boardwalk at Carolina Beach, one of many North Carolina beach communities that celebrated the holiday with fireworks over the water. Photo: Kirk Ross
Analysis: NC’s Battle for Regulatory Control
One of the General Assembly’s six proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot this fall would significantly shift toward the legislature the state’s longstanding balance of power in environmental regulation.
No Deal on Shellfish as Legislators Adjourn
Both a major rewrite of shellfish leasing laws and an attempt to resolve an issue with leases in the Masonboro Nature Island Reserve were left unresolved as the General Assembly’s session ended Friday.
Cooper Vetoes Regulatory Reform, Farm Act
Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed seven bills Monday ahead of the midnight deadline, including the latest regulatory rollback and a measure that limits the ability of neighbors of large pork and poultry operations to win in nuisance lawsuits.
Coastal Changes OK’d In Whirlwind Session
A controversial shellfish aquaculture bill appeared stalled at the week’s end, but the N.C. General Assembly has already approved dozens of coastal provisions in their rush to wrap up the session by the end of the month.
Cooper Vetoes Spending Plan, Override Likely
Gov. Roy Cooper, citing Wednesday legislative leaders’ “authoritarian power grab,” vetoed the budget approved last week, a move Republicans are expected to override.
Budget Plan Funds Dredge, GenX Studies
Among other coastal provisions, Republicans’ state budget proposal released Monday commits $15 million for a dredge for Oregon Inlet and $5 million to the N.C. Policy Collaboratory for GenX research.
