The N.C. Senate is considering yet another “regulatory reform” bill that follows similarly named bills of the previous two sessions. The bill would make an array of changes to environmental policy and regulations that could have far-reaching implications.
News & Features
Some Hammerheads to Get Protection
Federal fisheries managers have proposed adding four populations of hammerhead sharks to the Endangered Species List. Those off the Southeast coast aren’t included despite dramatic declines in their population.
Compromise on Committees Bill Goes Up in Flames
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.
Usually Feuding Fishermen Work Together
The N.C. Coastal Federation helped broker a one-of-a-kind project in Dare County in which recreational and commercial fishermen will be working together at a N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s boat ramp.
Rocky Point High-School Student Wins Contest
Anna Brodmerkel’s essay on the importance of wetlands won a contest sponsored by Stop Titan groups and a $1,000 college scholarship.
Titan Fight Approaches Benchmark
Five years have passed since a handful of residents and environmentalists sat in the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners’ chambers to learn more about a company’s plans to build a cement plant just outside of Wilmington.
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.
Wildlife Agency Maps Wind Farm Concerns
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a new map of North Carolina that shows the best and worst locations for wind farms.
Trip to Rich Inlet Shows What’s at Stake
Wildlife habitat and a popular playground for people will likely be lost if Figure Eight Island builds a small jetty to protect a handful of houses.
Books of the Coast: Scientist Offers New Vision
Stan Riggs, a marine geologist and researcher at East Carolina University, makes his case for a different future for the Outer Banks.
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.
Greening Up the State’s Travel Industry
Eleven coastal businesses are among the 53 restaurants, lodges and parks in North Carolina that been inducted into a fledgling state program that recognizes travel businesses that take extra steps to conserve.
State Awaits Judge’s Ruling on Bonner Bridge
The state DOT says it’s ready to start construction on a new bridges across Oregon Inlet and on Pea Island on the Outer Banks but is awaiting the outcome of two legal challenges.
Disparate Partners Protect Isolated Haven
The military joined conservationists and hunters to protect almost 700 acres of Lukens Island, a remote wilderness in eastern Carteret County.
A Tough Winter for Sea Turtles
Sea turtles stunned by cold water have taxed rehabilitation facilities this winter, including the state aquarium in Manteo.
