Brunswick County commissioners this week rejected proposed restrictions on solar farms that they said would impede the rights of private property owners.
Energy
Environmentalist, Oil Exec Face Off at Forum
Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, and John Hofmeister, former president of Shell Oil Co., shared their perspectives on offshore drilling Tuesday in Wilmington.
Brunswick Seeks to Limit Size of Solar Farms
Brunswick County’s planning board is recommending rule changes that would cap the size and tighten setback requirements for solar farms.
Onslow School Celebrates Solar Achievement
Faculty, students and former students of Queens Creek Elementary School in Onslow County recently dedicated a 5-kilowatt solar array, a project that’s been years in the making.
Wood Pellet Demand, Opposition Growing
Opponents of the growing wood pellet industry in the Southeast say the product, which is subsidized when burned as a renewable energy source in the U.K., is harming the environment globally and wiping out forests here.
Moratorium: Wind Developers Mull Options
Wind energy developers with projects in the works in eastern North Carolina are keeping a wary eye on the state in the wake of a recently imposed 18-month moratorium.
Drilling Opponents Dominate Public Hearing
The first of three North Carolina public hearings this week on the new federal proposal for oil and natural gas leasing off the East Coast drew about 175, mostly drilling opponents.
Drilling Opponents Ready For Renewed Fight
Wilmington-area environmental advocates leading the recently formed offshore drilling opposition group Save Our Sea say lessons learned in recent anti-pollution battles have them prepared for the latest fight.
Cooper Vows to Lead Offshore Drilling Fight
Gov. Roy Cooper, during an appearance Thursday at Fort Macon State Park, said the state’s environment and “robust coastal economy” are not worth the risks from offshore oil drilling and exploration.
Drilling, Seismic Opponents Rally … Again
More than 100 environmental advocates gathered this week in Wilmington to renew their battle against seismic exploration for oil and gas off the N.C. coast.
New Seismic Permitting Process Begins
Federal officials this week took steps toward approving permits for seismic exploration for oil and natural gas off the East Coast, as opponents warn of its threats to the coastal environment.
With Feds’ Reversal on Seismic, What Next?
The Interior Department recently moved to restart the review process for applications for seismic exploration for offshore oil and gas but it remains unclear how long permitting will take.
How Will Offshore Wind Power Get to Grid?
The firm that recently offered the top bid for a wind-energy lease off Kitty Hawk faces big challenges in getting the electricity generated to the grid.
Pipeline Could Pose Threat to Coastal Region
The route for the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline is well inland, but its environmental effects could be far-reaching, including the coastal region.
Solar: Big Changes in Energy Bill Taking Shape
A proposed energy bill in the works in the N.C. General Assembly could bring surprising changes on renewable energy, including third-party energy sales and streamlined permitting for solar projects.
Oil: Keeping Atlantic Ban Meets Climate Goals
Any future oil drilling in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, which Obama placed off limits during his final days in office, could push global warming to 4 degrees or beyond, says a recent report.
