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.
News & Features
State Asks Supreme Court to Step In
The N.C. Attorney General’s office has asked the state Supreme Court to review a recent Court of Appeals decision regarding the future ownership of 289 acres adjacent to Hammocks Beach State Park in Onslow County.
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.
We Love Estuaries. How About You?
On this Valentine’s Day, we thought we’d give a little love to the state’s vast labyrinth of coastal marshes. We’re part of a national campaign to stand up for estuaries.
Federation Saves History, Finds Regional Home
The N.C. Coastal Federation plans to move an historic house to the square in Wrightsville Beach for its new Southeast Regional office and education center.
Onslow Residents Again Fighting Quarry
Residents of Maple Hill are again fighting a proposed quarry that Onslow County turned down a year ago. Martin Marietta has reapplied for a permit that the county Board of Adjustment will consider Tuesday.
Wind Projects on the Ropes, But Not Out
Land-based wind power projects in Beaufort and Pasquotank counties are still in the works, despite considerable challenges that have raised doubts about their future.
Opponents of Uranium Mining Breathing Easier
N.C. opponents of lifting a ban on uranium mining in neighboring Virginia have high hopes that the proposal has perished on the political vine, but they’re still wary of backdoor maneuvers that could lead to mining.
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.
Wow! This Is a Beautiful Place
The 51 photographers who entered our 2012 Photo Contest blew us away with their ability to capture the natural diversity and stunning beauty of the N.C. coast.
Life on Ocracoke Without the Ferry
The state ferry from Ocracoke to Hatteras Island has been out of service since Jan. 18 because of severe shoaling in Hatteras Inlet. The Coast Guard is delivering needed medications and off-island visits to the doctor’s office often require overnight stays.
They Deserve a Break Today?
McDonald’s request for an exemption to the state’s stormwater regulations illustrates how confusing the rules can be, especially when different regulators seem to enforce them differently. It all has one small-town mayor scratching his head in confusion.
Preserving the Legacy of Ted Miller
The heirs of the late Ted Miller donated a small farm to the N.C. Coastal Federation, which is trying to decide how to best use it to fulfill Miller’s desire that the land benefit future generations.
Living Shoreline Permitting Still a Hassle
Though research increasingly supports the value of living shorelines over bulkheads and other types of manmade erosion-control methods, state and federal officials still struggle with streamlining the permitting system for them.
Fishing for Art Off N.C. Piers
Courtney Johnson drops her homemade pinhole camera off N.C. fishing piers and catches shadowy, abstract images of the ocean deep.
A Christian Response to Global Warming
Interfaith Power & Light, a coalition of churches, believes that promoting energy conservation and renewable energy is good stewardship of the Earth’s resources.
