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.
Legislature
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.
Will She or Won’t She?
Gov. Beverly Perdue has until 11:59 p.m. Thursday to decide whether to veto several bills, including a much-maligned bill on future sea-level rise.
Legislature Tips Its Hand on Offshore Drilling
Fracking was the energy issue of the last session of the General Assembly, but that doesn’t mean that the pro-drilling legislature has forgotten about offshore.
Clean Water Fund Gets Whacked Again
The state budget passed this week by the N.C. General Assembly cuts the appropriation to the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund to the lowest level in the agency’s history, leading its director to wonder if the state’s leading conservation fund can survive.
A Failing Grade on the Environment
Using the recession as its backdrop and rules cost jobs as its mantra, the Republican-led legislature has slashed environmental budgets, weakened laws and earned record low scores for protecting the state’s environment.
Bill Would Revamp Coastal Commission
A bill being considered in the N.C. Senate would reduce the number of members of the Coastal Resources Commission, a move some fear would weaken the panel.
Coastal Law: Mega-Dumps and Beaches
Two recent court cases — one dealing with a state law on large landfills and the other with condemned buildings on the public-trust beach — may have far-reaching implications.
State Marine Fisheries Division May Disappear
The state legislature is contemplating merging the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries and the Wildlife Resources Commission.
Environmental Agencies May Face Smaller Cuts
It looks like the N.C. General Assembly will spare the regional offices of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources but may cut its budget again.
Protecting Those Special Places Along the Coast
The N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund has spent about $255 million along the the N.C. coast. Here are just a few of the places that money has protected.
