The House budget unveiled Thursday includes almost $2 billion for flood prevention, resiliency and stormwater and wastewater infrastructure, but a provision affecting wetlands protection may conflict with those goals.
Legislature
After years of cuts, House eyes boost for Land, Water Fund
North Carolina’s Land and Water Fund for conservation and restoration projects is on track for an appropriation at a level not seen in more than a decade.
Senate budget includes fisheries studies, ferry funding
The state Senate’s two-year spending plan approved last week includes funding for fisheries research, expanding the shellfish lease program and a new loan program for growers, along with a new dedicated fund for Ferry Division capital expenses.
Language from PFAS bills rolled into Senate budget
Provisions aimed at stepping up state monitoring of contaminants known as per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances were wrapped into the Senate budget plan released this week.
Senate, House settle on spending caps, details to follow
House and Senate negotiators last week settled on increased budget ceilings for the next two years, but exact numbers by department have yet to be spelled out.
Consensus builds for major flood mitigation legislation
The House and Senate continue to address flood prevention and resilience in this year’s session of North Carolina General Assembly.
Bill Would Ease Hog Farm Biogas Permitting
This year’s farm bill includes a provision creating a general permit for animal operations to build and operate farm digester systems for capturing methane for energy.
Budget Outlook Mixed; Coastal Bills Filed
Economic uncertainty associated with the coronavirus pandemic clouds what would be a rosy budget outlook, as coastal legislators seek funding for state attractions.
Bills Would Clear Way for Terminal Groins
Legislation filed last week in the North Carolina General Assembly is aimed at getting federal help to extend jetties at Oregon Inlet and build a proposed terminal groin at North Topsail Beach.
New Year, New Session, Same Hurdles Ahead
With Gov. Roy Cooper now in his second term and the legislature convening Wednesday, budget and pandemic response agreements remain on the to-do list from last year.
Election to Reshape Coastal Delegation
Retirements, redistricting and possible shifts in voter preferences all stand to shift the balance of power in the legislature come Nov. 3.
Cooper Lays Out Spending Plan; GOP Pans It
Gov. Roy Cooper announced this week a state spending proposal, including plans for the state’s unspent coronavirus relief, which Senate budget writers were quick to dismiss.
Lean Times Ahead for Parks, Conservation
The pandemic has increased funding pressures on the state’s already strained Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and trust funds for clean water projects and parks.
Analysis: DEQ Braces for Budget Cuts
With staggering revenue shortfalls from the pandemic and the yearslong budget stalemate, slashed funding for state environmental programs and project delays are inevitable.
Coastal Provisions Amid End-Of-Session Bills
Along with coronavirus response measures, the North Carolina General Assembly passed bills with numerous environmental and coastal provisions before adjourning last week.
Bills Offer Options for PFAS Regulation
Democrats in the N.C. House have introduced a trio of bills they say are intended to demonstrate the range of steps the state could take in regulating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
