The measure would require Duke Energy and other major electricity producers to cut carbon dioxide emissions 70% by 2030, with a goal of zero carbon by 2050.
Legislature
Governor, legislative leaders in budget talks
With House and Senate agreement on a state spending plan, it looks like another drawn-out budget battle with the governor may be avoided.
There’s consensus on resilience, but don’t say ‘climate’
Amid broad bipartisan agreement on resiliency, flood mitigation and land conservation policy and funding in Raleigh, there are certain terms that still raise suspicion among some in the legislature.
House, Senate in budget talks as key differences remain
Both chambers plan to spend $25.7 billion this year and $26.7 billion next year, but a House and Senate conference committee are set to begin working through differences large and small.
House budget boosts resilience, but wetlands plan draws ire
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.
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.
