State lawmakers may move to tap a bigger share of local occupancy taxes to pay for beach renourishment projects during the legislative session that begins Monday.
News & Features
Bills to Weaken Protections Are Ready
A legislative committee that is the gatekeeper for new environmental bills is ready with measures that weaken stormwater regulations and stream protections. The new session of the N.C. General Assembly starts next week.
Groups Worry Seismic Tests Will Happen
Despite the recent announcement that plans to drill for oil and natural gas off the N.C. coast will not move forward during the next five years, several firms continue to seek federal permits for seismic exploration in the Atlantic.
Land Disputes Stall Sunset Beach Projects
A developer’s plans for residential projects at both ends of Sunset Beach in Brunswick County are in limbo over questions regarding ownership of the some of the land.
After the Titan Decision: What Next?
A month after Titan scrapped its controversial plans for a massive mining and cement plant near Wilmington, opponents of the project are hopeful a countywide planning effort in the works will help avoid future conflicts between economic growth and the environment.
Another View of the Red Wolves’ Saga
Almost two dozen cameras set in the wilds surrounding the Alligator River have captured an amazing array of wildlife. Conservationists hope to use the photos as evidence that the beleaguered red wolf isn’t hurting local wildlife as some claim.
Woodpeckers and the Havelock Bypass
The proposed U.S. 70 bypass around Havelock still has environmentalists worried about the effects on endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers in the Croatan National Forest.
Climate Change Up Close and Personal
“Climate Stories NC” document how the changing climate has affected the lives of North Carolinians, like Willy Phillips, a fisherman in Columbia.
There’s a New Sheriff in Town
Larry Baldwin, the new Crystal Coast Waterkeeper, intends to keep an eye out for polluters and other threats to coastal waters in and around Carteret County.
Park Service Offers Plan to Address Flooding
The National Park Service recently presented a plan to address persistent flooding at Cape Point, a popular fishing and camping spot in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, by draining the water into the ocean.
Landscapers Cry Foul Over New Permits
One of the main objections voiced at a public hearing in New Bern on a package of proposed stormwater rules focused on provisions that exclude landscape architects from submitting applications for the new fast-track permitting process.
Will New Runoff Rules Protect Waterways?
State officials are seeking public comment on a major overhaul of stormwater rules. We explore whether the new rules will better protect our coastal waters or are merely a means for faster permitting.
Topsail Seeks Exception to Federal Rule
Topsail Beach officials are asking the Army Corps of Engineers for an exemption to federal Coastal Barrier Resources Act restrictions to secure their preferred source of sand for beach re-nourishment projects.
Opponents Applaud Drilling Decision
Many on the N.C. coast applauded the announcement Tuesday that the federal government has taken Atlantic offshore waters off the list of proposed leasing areas for oil and natural gas drilling.
Experts Weigh In On Figure 8’s Groin Plan
Coastal geologists, environmental groups and others came together recently to discuss Figure Eight Island’s plans for a terminal groin to fight erosion, but the opposing sides in the debate didn’t get any closer to a consensus.
Bond Includes $11 Million for Coastal Parks
Voters on Tuesday will consider a $2 billion bond package that includes money for 45 projects in the 41 state parks. Campground improvements, land acquisitions, visitors’ centers and boat ramps are some of the projects at coastal parks.
