Although there have been rumors that a compromise might be in the works, a controversial bill to lift most restrictions on building small jetties along the state’s beaches has not moved out of committee in the N.C. House.
Legislature
McCrory Objections Slow Landfill Bill
As the N.C. General Assembly enters its waning weeks, movement on a controversial landfill bill passed by the state Senate has slowed considerably in the N.C. House because of objections raised by the McCrory Administration.
Proposed Landfill Bill Generates Concern, Criticism
As the state legislature heads into debate on a new measure that drastically revises the state’s landfill policies, a chorus of voices expresses concern, urges caution.
Jetties, Dumps and Fracking Wells
Those are the environmental bills that are due up next as the N.C. General Assembly enters the last few weeks of its session.
State Senate Takes Ax to Ocracoke Center
North Carolina spent $7 million to renovate an old Coast Guard Station on Ocracoke for the east campus of the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching. Now the Senate wants to shutter the place.
State Could Acquire Oregon Inlet?
The Senate’s proposed budget contains a provision that creates a task force to look into acquiring the notorious inlet in Dare County from the federal government.
Senate Budget Remakes Conservation Funds
The proposed N.C. Senate budget closely mirrors Gov. Pat McCrory’s proposal in terms of overall dollars, but it contains a number of key distinctions in priorities, including a complete overhaul of the state’s conservation trust funds.
Busy Week Ahead at Legislature
Legislators are considering many environmental bills as the so-called “crossover” deadline approaches this week in the N.C. General Assembly. We offer a summary of important bills to help you keep up.
‘Reform’ Bill Could Have Sweeping Effects
The N.C. Senate is considering yet another “regulatory reform” bill that follows similarly named bills of the previous two sessions. The bill would make an array of changes to environmental policy and regulations that could have far-reaching implications.
Compromise on Committees Bill Goes Up in Flames
In a rare show of unanimity, the N.C. House yesterday voted down a compromise on a controversial bill that would have remade the state’s major regulatory commissions. The vote: 116-0.
Bridge Projects Still Kicking, Proponents Say
A proposed state bill that would change the way the planned Mid-Currituck Bridge and Cape Fear Skyway would be funded gives proponents the jitters, but the projects may not be doomed.
New Bills Target Stormwater, Wind Energy
Environmental organizations are tracking several key bills in the N.C. General Assembly, including new legislation on stormwater rules, permitting and wind energy and old bills on hydraulic fracking and inlet dredging.
Opposition Brewing to Injection Wells
Several coastal cities and counties have expressed opposition to a state bill that would allow fracking fluids to be disposed in the region’s aquifers.
Clean Water Trust Fund Helped Many
The fund has preserved thousands of acres of waterfront land across North Carolina. It has spent almost $260 million in the 20 coastal counties since 1996 and is now on the brink of extermination.
McCrory’s Budget Slashes Conservation Funds
State trust funds dedicated to conservation, parks and clean water would take a big hit under a budget proposal that Gov. Pat McCrory released this week.
State House to Go Slow on Injection Wells
A bill that could allow fracking waste fluids to be injected into coastal aquifers will get a careful review in the state House, says a New Hanover representative.