Environmental organizations are tracking several key bills in the N.C. General Assembly, including new legislation on stormwater rules, permitting and wind energy and old bills on hydraulic fracking and inlet dredging.
News & Features
Wildlife Agency Maps Wind Farm Concerns
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a new map of North Carolina that shows the best and worst locations for wind farms.
Trip to Rich Inlet Shows What’s at Stake
Wildlife habitat and a popular playground for people will likely be lost if Figure Eight Island builds a small jetty to protect a handful of houses.
Books of the Coast: Scientist Offers New Vision
Stan Riggs, a marine geologist and researcher at East Carolina University, makes his case for a different future for the Outer Banks.
Opposition Brewing to Injection Wells
Several coastal cities and counties have expressed opposition to a state bill that would allow fracking fluids to be disposed in the region’s aquifers.
Greening Up the State’s Travel Industry
Eleven coastal businesses are among the 53 restaurants, lodges and parks in North Carolina that been inducted into a fledgling state program that recognizes travel businesses that take extra steps to conserve.
State Awaits Judge’s Ruling on Bonner Bridge
The state DOT says it’s ready to start construction on a new bridges across Oregon Inlet and on Pea Island on the Outer Banks but is awaiting the outcome of two legal challenges.
Disparate Partners Protect Isolated Haven
The military joined conservationists and hunters to protect almost 700 acres of Lukens Island, a remote wilderness in eastern Carteret County.
A Tough Winter for Sea Turtles
Sea turtles stunned by cold water have taxed rehabilitation facilities this winter, including the state aquarium in Manteo.
Clean Water Trust Fund Helped Many
The fund has preserved thousands of acres of waterfront land across North Carolina. It has spent almost $260 million in the 20 coastal counties since 1996 and is now on the brink of extermination.
McCrory’s Budget Slashes Conservation Funds
State trust funds dedicated to conservation, parks and clean water would take a big hit under a budget proposal that Gov. Pat McCrory released this week.
Boating, Fishing Groups Oppose Dredging Bill
Several boating and fishing groups and boat manufacturers are opposed to a bill that would raise the yearly registration fee on all recreational boats in North Carolina in order to pay for dredging inlets along the coast.
State House to Go Slow on Injection Wells
A bill that could allow fracking waste fluids to be injected into coastal aquifers will get a careful review in the state House, says a New Hanover representative.
Protecting the Green Swamp
The Nature Conservancy recently bought more than 450 acres bordering the Green Swamp in Brunswick County. Pinch Gut Ridge will help protect the swamp and is a haven for longleaf pine and many species or rare plants.
McCrory Pledges ‘Action’ on N.C. 12
Gov. Pat McCrory visited the Outer Banks and battered N.C. 12, which was closed again because of high seas. McCrory told residents at a meeting in Manteo that the state will be “pragmatic” in finding a solution to the road’s woes.
Kids to Get a Jump on Marine Science
High school students in New Hanover County will be able to take college-level classes at Ashley High’s new Marine Science Academy. It’s a dream come true for teacher Sandy Cecelski.
