House Bill 402, which became law this past summer despite the governor’s veto, has drawn sharp criticism from environmental and health advocates who argue it will stifle an already daunting rulemaking process and create significant obstacles to addressing pollution.
News & Features
EMC moves groundwater standards, wetlands rules ahead
The N.C. Environmental Management Commission voted Thursday to send a groundwater standard rule for PFAS to the Rules Review Commission and a rule that defines wetlands in the state to the Office of Administrative Hearings.
DEQ requires Chemours to expand PFAS well water testing
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality announced Thursday that it is requiring Chemours expand sampling eligibility of PFAS contamination to about 14,000 additional residences in the lower Cape Fear region.
Appeals period to begin for Jacksonville’s revised flood maps
Jacksonville recently hosted an informational open house on the proposed updated flood studies and revisions to the 2016 flood insurance rate maps that the city appealed.
Only half of state’s known sea turtle nests hatched before Erin
Many of the state’s sea turtle nests had hatched before Hurricane Erin passed offshore but those still incubating suffered overwash, and some nests were entirely lost.
Administration targets national forestland ‘roadless rule’
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has moved to repeal a 2001 rule that bars road construction, logging and mining in national forests, including more than 170,000 acres in North Carolina alone now protected by the rule.
Conservation group’s US 64 study finds ‘remarkable carnage’
More than 5,000 vertebrates representing 144 species of wildlife were killed on U.S. Highway 64 just halfway through a two-year survey.
Holden Beach moves to place pier decision in voters’ hands
Town commissioners have given unanimous approval to a plan to hold a $7.3 million bond referendum in November to replace the damaged fishing pier.
Microgrid project to provide renewable power after disasters
The State Energy Office recently announced a $5 million investment to provide accessible post-disaster emergency power by deploying permanent and mobile small-scale solar and battery storage systems.
Efforts to curb flooding at battleship memorial yield results
Land around the Battleship North Carolina and its parking area is recreating itself, luring birds, diminishing flood frequency, and providing what the museum’s leaders hope to become a living lab.
No easy fix for Boiling Spring Lakes’ ongoing dam troubles
Officials in the small Brunswick County city thought the structure damaged by Hurricane Florence had been repaired, but a June storm proved otherwise and residents’ anger and frustration are boiling.
Waves again reveal Buxton pollution; Corps vows removal
“We are dedicated to finding the petroleum contamination and removing it,” said Army Corps of Engineers District Commander Col. Ron Sturgeon earlier this week.
State appeals court sides with private ferry owner over village
The North Carolina Court of Appeals upheld a lower court decision siding with the owners of the ferry system that provides service to Bald Head Island.
Fledgling commercial fisheries group looks to boost industry
The North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition, formed in response to the recently proposed ban on shrimp trawling in state waters, met for the first time this week in Morehead City, drawing numerous state and local elected officials.
Amid backlash, Dare board retains Buxton Woods restrictions
Commissioners approved a text amendment allowing the requested construction but kept longstanding protections around the Buxton Woods Reserve on Hatteras Island.
Proponents of Leland flood zone rules say it’s a moral issue
Advocates of the Brunswick County town’s proposal to strengthen and expand flood zone building rules say officials must ensure they are not putting property owners, emergency personnel in danger.
