More than 100 environmental advocates gathered this week in Wilmington to renew their battle against seismic exploration for oil and gas off the N.C. coast.
News & Features
New Seismic Permitting Process Begins
Federal officials this week took steps toward approving permits for seismic exploration for oil and natural gas off the East Coast, as opponents warn of its threats to the coastal environment.
Can New Reef Design Save Historic Shoreline?
The Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site’s storm-battered shoreline on the Cape Fear will soon test how a new oyster reef design curbs erosion in a high-energy wave environment.
House, Senate Plans Differ on DEQ Cuts
The House and Senate must reconcile policy choices and a $15 million difference in funding for the Department of Environmental Quality as work on a final budget deal begins.
Bag Ban Repeal, Topsail Dune Rule Advance
The Senate has amended a bill that would now, among other things, repeal a longstanding ban on single-use plastic bags on the Outer Banks and address Topsail Beach’s dune-protection efforts.
With Feds’ Reversal on Seismic, What Next?
The Interior Department recently moved to restart the review process for applications for seismic exploration for offshore oil and gas but it remains unclear how long permitting will take.
Agencies Lack Power to Clear Derelict Boats
A recent federal report echoes what many agencies and state and local governments already know: Abandoned boats in public waters are a problem with no easy solutions.
Town: Park Without Ball Fields Not Worth It
Faced with a state report discouraging plans to develop much of the last maritime forest in Emerald Isle for ball fields, town officials say the proposed land deal may not happen without them.
Cape Lookout Solar Energy Goes Live
Cape Lookout has unveiled a new solar energy system that will power all of the park’s facilities, except for the lighthouse beacon, which is also set to be upgraded later this year.
Navy Unsure Why Trashy Disks Washed Up
The Navy says it’s investigating how dozens of smelly, circular, plastic garbage patties recently wound up on northern Outer Banks beaches.
Wilmington Stormwater Efforts Recognized
A collaborative effort to manage eight stormwater-reduction projects in the Wilmington area has earned the Environmental Protection Agency’s recognition for its work.
Senate Plan Targets DEQ Jobs, Wind Projects
The Senate’s 2017-19 spending plan approved Thursday would eliminate 45 Department of Environmental Quality positions and impose a three-year moratorium on wind-energy projects.
Cahoon Gavels First CRC Meeting as Chair
Renee Cahoon of Nags Head recently presided over her first meeting as chair of the state Coastal Resources Commission, and she also spoke with CRO about her new role.
Trails, Not Boat Ramps, in Final Park Plan
Based on public input, the plan for improvements and new amenities at Hammocks Beach State Park includes new trails and camping areas, but no motorboat ramps.
AmeriCorps Funding in Limbo
Trump’s new budget proposal targets the agency that manages AmeriCorps, a program that promotes volunteerism, including in environmental education projects along the North Carolina coast.
Wind Energy, Regulatory Bills Find Support
Amid a hectic rush this week to advance dozens of bills by a critical deadline, state lawmakers solidified support for a wind energy bill and regulatory changes.
