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.
Legislature
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.
House Committee Reworks Commissions Bill
A bill that revamps the state’s regulatory commissions emerged from a N.C. House committee yesterday without many of the provisions that have drawn criticism since the bill first passed the state Senate almost three weeks ago.
Lawmakers Warned About Commissions Bill
North Carolina’s environmental agency has warned legislators that they are putting the state’s federally approved coastal-management program in jeopardy if a bill that remakes the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission becomes law.
Can the Coast Still Be Protected?
North Carolina’s coastal-management program risks losing millions of dollars in federal money each year if a bill that changes the composition of the state’s coastal commission becomes law and fails to meet federal muster.
Renewable Energy, LID on Environmental Agenda
We take a look at some of the environmental issues that will likely come up during the legislative session, which began in earnest when the N.C. General Assembly convened last night.
New Legislature, Governor Get to Work
For the first time in modern N.C. history, Republicans control the state legislature and the governor’s mansion. What that will mean for the state’s environment is still an open question.
Poll: N.C. Voters Say Don’t Trash Environment
A new poll of N.C. voters seems to offer a warning to state legislators and the new governor as they pursue policies they say will create more jobs: Don’t run roughshod over the environment while doing it.
Slow Down: Merger Idea Needs More Study
A report that was mandated by the N.C. General Assembly on merging the state’s fisheries and wildlife agencies recommends that the legislature move cautiously and take more time to study the idea.
Toxic Air Battle Joined Anew
A battle that began earlier this year over legislation cutting back the state’s air toxics program starts up anew this week when state regulators seek public comment on changes to regulations on toxic air emissions.
Proposed Merger of Agencies Raises Fears
Commercial fishermen worry that a proposed merger of state wildlife agencies could mean the end of their industry.
