State legislators’ efforts to repeal a longstanding ban on single-use plastic bags on the Outer Banks have sparked anger among residents and business owners.
News & Features
How Will Offshore Wind Power Get to Grid?
The firm that recently offered the top bid for a wind-energy lease off Kitty Hawk faces big challenges in getting the electricity generated to the grid.
Bills to Cut Streams, Shoals Regulations
The Senate and House are finalizing a set of regulatory bills that include provisions to loosen coastal environmental regulations.
Can Oysters, Coastal Restoration Create Jobs?
A summit held last week in Raleigh looked to Virginia and Maryland to answer the question: Can stormwater management and aquaculture create economic opportunities in coastal North Carolina?
Budget Boosts Clean Water, Park Trust Funds
After years of continually shrinking budgets, Gov. Roy Cooper’s spending plan breathes new life into key programs for water quality and parks.
Pipeline Could Pose Threat to Coastal Region
The route for the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline is well inland, but its environmental effects could be far-reaching, including the coastal region.
Birds Get Help Adapting to Climate Change
Audubon North Carolina recently launched two programs designed to help the state’s most vulnerable birds survive and adapt to the effects of climate change.
Plan Limits Hunting at Carson Reserve
Officials recently announced plans for new restrictions on hunting at the Rachel Carson Reserve in Carteret County, where visitors increasingly enjoy other activities.
Extent of Navassa’s Mess Clearer; What Next?
Ongoing environmental monitoring is providing more detail on the extent of creosote contamination in Navassa, as residents face decisions on site’s future.
Corps OKs Ocean Isle’s Terminal Groin Plan
Ocean Isle Beach has the federal permit needed to build an estimated $5.7 million terminal groin at the erosion-prone east end of the Brunswick County town.
Coastal Review Online Wins 14 Press Awards
Coastal Review Online was recognized Thursday with 14 awards for its coverage of coastal North Carolina environmental news from the N.C. Press Association.
Solar: Big Changes in Energy Bill Taking Shape
A proposed energy bill in the works in the N.C. General Assembly could bring surprising changes on renewable energy, including third-party energy sales and streamlined permitting for solar projects.
New Hanover Adopts Industrial Zoning Rules
New Hanover County commissioners gave unanimous approval Monday to a much-debated set of zoning code changes setting rules for industrial special-use permits.
Bald Head Island Seeks to Mine Shoals Sand
Bald Head Island has applied for a permit to mine sand for beach re-nourishment from a federally protected area of Frying Pan Shoals.
Legislators Eye Beach Sand Funding, Rules
State lawmakers are considering ideas for ways to pay for beach re-nourishment and proposing relaxed standards for offshore sources of sand and the placement of sandbag walls.
Work Continues on Rich Inlet Biological Study
Figure Eight Island property owners last year voted down a plan for a terminal groin at Rich Inlet, but U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service scientists are still working on an environmental study for the project.
