The Senate has rolled out a new version of House Bill 189, a measure that addresses the state’s response to GenX and other contaminants, which Senate leaders refused to consider in January.
News Briefs
EPA Delays Clean Water Rule By Two Years
Application of the federal 2015 “Waters of the United States” rule developed by the Obama administration has been delayed by two years, prompting Tuesday a legal challenge by conservation groups.
Cooper Seeks Hearings on Drilling Plan
Gov. Roy Cooper wrote Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke Wednesday, calling for a 60-day extension for public comments and more meetings on offshore drilling and seismic testing off of North Carolina’s coast.
Survey: Majority Opposes Expanded Drilling
A recent survey shows most Americans now opposed expanded offshore drilling for oil and natural gas, with coastal residents less in favor than those farther inland.
Volunteers Needed for Shoreline Cleanup
Volunteers are needed Feb. 13 to help clean up the soundside shoreline at Fort Macon State Park in Carteret County, part of an overall effort to reduce the amount of marine debris littering coastal marshes, beaches and waterways.
Jones Asks for Offshore Drilling Meeting
Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., has asked the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to hold a public meeting in Dare County on the Interior Department’s proposed five-year offshore oil and gas leasing program.
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.
Duke Energy Proposes Solar Rebate Program
A typical rooftop solar array would be eligible for a $4,800 rebate under a program Duke Energy has proposed to help its North Carolina customers offset the cost of installing solar panels on their property.
How Winter Temps Can Affect Spring Fishing
North Carolina State University researchers published new findings in 2017 on the significant effect of cold stuns on spotted seatrout populations.
Brunswick Rescinds Offshore Drilling Support
Brunswick County rescinded Tuesday its resolution to support offshore drilling and seismic testing, leaving Carteret County to be the only coastal government body to be in favor of offshore exploration.
Group Seeks More Time for Public Comment
The Business Alliance for Protecting the Atlantic Coast, a group representing East Coast businesses and commercial fishing families, is urging the feds to offer more chances for the public to weigh in on the plan to expand offshore drilling.
Watermen To Hunt for Lost Crab Pots
The North Carolina Coastal Federation’s Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project will begin this week, when 76 commercial watermen will venture into the state’s sounds to collect lost crab pots.
Offshore Drilling: Cooper Calls For Exemption
Gov. Roy Cooper has urged U.S Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to grant North Carolina a similar exemption from offshore oil and gas drilling to the one given Florida.
Cooper Petitions For Drilling Exemption
Gov. Roy Cooper is demanding Interior Department Secretary Ryan Zinke grant an exemption for North Carolina from the recently proposed offshore oil and drilling plan.
Brunswick Group Plans Opposition Rally
The Brunswick Environmental Action Team plans to hold a rally opposing offshore drilling Tuesday in Bolivia, where county commissioners are to meet later that evening.
Weather, Disasters Cost Billions in 2017
NOAA says 2017 was a year of extremes for the U.S. with floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, drought, fires and freezes, causing fatalities and financial hardships for the nation.
