Gov. Roy Cooper and DEQ officials warned that the latest proposed legislation in response to health concerns about GenX and other emerging contaminants could be problematic.
Budget Process Underway, Draws Criticism
The process for this year’s state budget, which includes key items for the coast such as beach renourishment and a private-public partnership to purchase a dredge for Oregon Inlet, is facing criticism.
New GenX Bills Prompt Enforcement Worries
GenX-related bills filed late last week in the N.C. General Assembly quickly drew criticism from environmental groups and a former regulator that they could create unintended consequences in the enforcement of existing pollution laws.
House, Senate Move Toward Deal on GenX
House and Senate leaders and legislators from New Hanover, Brunswick and Cumberland counties met behind closed doors Wednesday to try and hammer out a compromise on legislation to address GenX and other chemicals in the southeast region’s drinking water.
Cooper’s Budget Plan Funds Conservation
Gov. Roy Cooper announced Thursday his budget proposal, which includes a return of the revenues from deed stamp taxes on real estate transactions to state conservation funds.
Collaboratory Studies: Better GenX Detection
Researchers with grants from the North Carolina Policy Collaboratory are proposing new, simpler ways to test for GenX and other emerging contaminants in drinking water and to encourage more frequent water sampling.
Utility, UNCW Stand By Contaminant Reports
Republicans in the House Committee on N.C. River Quality blasted them as ‘political,’ but UNC Wilmington and Cape Fear Public Utility Authority officials say their study reports on GenX and other contaminants in the water supply are accurate.
Policy Collaboratory Moves Into New Phase
After initial skepticism among Democrats, UNC faculty and environmental advocates, the North Carolina Policy Collaboratory appears to be finding its role and gaining support in its second year.
DEQ Develops Case to Halt GenX Emissions
The Department of Environmental Quality is moving through a process to stop Chemours’ GenX emissions, even if it means Chemours’ shutdown, as legislators consider their next steps ahead of the session that begins next month.
Little Support for Ferry Route Cuts, Fare Hikes
Recommendations for cutting state ferry runs and increasing fares ran aground last week during a legislative committee meeting, but legislators appeared more supportive of proposed partnerships for passenger ferries.
The Black Boxes Around Environmental Bills
As Sunshine Week draws to a close, CRO’s legislative reporter Kirk Ross shares his experience in covering the oft-cloaked legislative process in the N.C. General Assembly.
‘Don’t Drill!’ Reverberates in Raleigh
Busloads of coastal residents descended on Raleigh Monday to register their opposition to offshore drilling as federal officials hosted a public meeting on the Trump administration’s oil and gas leasing plan.
Reworked GenX Bill Goes Back to House
Disagreements over how to address GenX and other emerging contaminants were heated Friday but the state Senate passed its version of a funding bill, which some say falls short.
Cooper Warns Zinke of Lawsuit Over Drilling
After Gov. Roy Cooper’s meeting with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke Saturday in Raleigh, he and other opponents of offshore drilling and seismic exploration remained determined to fight the Trump energy plan.
New Questions As GenX Debate Continues
New questions regarding the state’s regulatory authority have emerged as the debate continues over how to respond to the issue of GenX and other emerging contaminants.
Ferry Study Eyes Raising Fares, Cutting Runs
The state Ferry Division could save $1.5 million by reducing off-season crossings and raise $1.7 million though fare increases without harming residents and businesses, according to a new legislative study.
