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.
News & Features
EPA revives climate change website, adds ‘indicators’ data
The Environmental Protection Agency recently reactivated its climate change website taken offline in 2017 and added new data, including information relevant to the NC coast.
Plastics, lax enforcement blamed as roadside litter worsens
Volunteers who pick up litter along coastal NC roadways say plastic pollution is a growing part of the problem as the numbers of charges and convictions for littering dwindle.
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.
GOP likely to block Delli-Gatti’s confirmation as DEQ chief
Senate Republicans said Wednesday they won’t confirm Dionne Delli-Gatti as the first woman to lead the state Department of Environmental Quality, a move Democrats say has nothing to do with qualifications.
Analysis: Why NC imposed new limits on spot, croaker
Recreational bag limits and commercial season closures for spot and Atlantic croaker announced earlier this spring were prompted by “moderate” concern about stocks, but state biologists say both species remain abundant.
Conservation Corps NC plugs first living shoreline project
Conservation Corps N.C.’s AmeriCorps crew joined the North Carolina Coastal Federation to work on shoreline projects along the coast last month.
Scientist behind forecast tool warns of rip current dangers
The researcher who helped develop NOAA’s new wave prediction tool says beachgoers should know about the dangers of rip currents before heading to the ocean.
State DOT’s stormwater design manual set for major update
In only the third update to its stormwater design manual since the late ’90s, the N.C. Department of Transportation is embracing more nature-based tools to reduce flooding and improve water quality.
North Topsail Beach service districts plan draws ire
Those who spoke during a public hearing Saturday largely opposed a plan to assess property owners according to district to pay for a proposed $672 million beach project.
Groups release 8 captive red wolves into NC recovery area
For the first time in years, endangered red wolves, four adults and four pups, have been released into the recovery area in northeastern North Carolina.
Shellfish hatchery owner vows to rebuild after recent blaze
Jimmy Morris says he will rebuild his family’s aquaculture business, the Mill Point Hatchery in Sea Level, which was destroyed by fire early Sunday.
Distressed status likely for Carteret water system, if not sold
A state authority has tabled its decision on labeling Carteret County’s small public water system as a distressed unit over its finances amid a volley of private bids to purchase the utility.
House OKs Limits On Firefighting Foam With PFAS
The state House of Representatives has unanimously approved a bill restricting the use of firefighting foam containing poly-fluoroalkyl substances.
PFAS Prevalence, Effects Clearer: Report
Researchers say concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water from the lower Cape Fear region “considerably higher” than levels nationwide.
Topsail Reef Sandbags OK’d For 5 More Years
The Coastal Resources Commission says the temporary, oversized sandbags in place at a condo complex in North Topsail Beach can remain for another five years.
