RALEIGH — Legislators got their first official look at the Farm Act of 2019, which focused on regulations to support the state’s fast growing hemp industry, but included a provision that would loosen requirements on upgrades and new construction at swine operations. Hog waste is applied to a sprayfield. Photo:…
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Water System Merger Bill Advances
RALEIGH — Legislation designed to allow two public water systems in Pamlico County to merge is expected to pass next week after approval Thursday by a Senate committee. Norm Sanderson The Senate Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Committee gave its approval to Senate Bill 434 that would require the merger…
Brown to Revive Bill Limiting Wind Energy
…a base to be put at risk. The proposed wind ban, on the other hand, does guarantee that communities across eastern North Carolina will be deprived of the opportunity for substantial new economic investment,” Kelly writes. The bill’s supporters say they also intend to press their case. Last week, Sen….
Mix of Environmental Bills Survive Crossover
The North Carolina Legislative Building. Photo: Mark Hibbs RALEIGH – Act II of the 2019 North Carolina General Assembly session begins this week with the Senate finalizing its version of the budget and both chambers taking up bills that passed last week’s crossover threshold. To remain viable for the session,…
House Budget Funds Recovery, Resilience
…feet the power lines across the Cape Fear River near the Wilmington port to allow an overall clearance of 212 feet to accommodate larger ships. Wind Study – Authorizes $300,000 for the ports authority to conduct a study of state ports and transportation infrastructure for potential to support the supply…
Bills Would Extend Towns’ Marine Authority
An abandoned sailboat is shown turned on its side in Shallowbag Bay in Manteo in 2017. Photo: Neel Keller/Outer Banks Sentinel RALEIGH – New legislation would the extend Manteo’s authority over navigable waters within the Dare County town’s corporate limits, adding it to a growing list of local governments seeking…
Legislators Preview New Shellfish Bill
From left, Wes Newell of Backwater Environmental, Sen. Norm Sanderson, Todd Miller and Rob Lamme of the North Carolina Coastal Federation and Ryan Speckman of Locals Seafood of Raleigh speak Tuesday during a reception that was part of the North Carolina Oyster Summit in Raleigh. Photo: Logan Prochaska This story…
Local Taxes Could Fund Storm Repairs, Inlets
Dunes in North Topsail Beach were washed over and the sand was transported landward during Hurricane Florence in 2018, covering the road and driveways. Photo: U.S. Geological Survey RALEIGH – For coastal North Carolina, where many communities are still reeling from the effects of last year’s storms, the top local…
Cooper Testifies on Climate Change
Gov. Roy Cooper and Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker testify Wednesday before a congressional committee looking into the effects of climate change. Photo: C-SPAN WASHINGTON, D.C. – Gov. Roy Cooper joined Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker this week in a bipartisan appearance before a congressional committee looking into the effects of climate…
Reckoning with Climate Change Ahead
Businesses and streets in downtown Manteo are inundated by storm surge associated with October’s Tropical Storm Michael. Photo: Cory Hemilright RALEIGH – For the past few years, inside and outside the walls of the state legislature, there’s been a noticeable shift in the conversation about climate change and its impact…
Florence’s Toll: Room Tax Revenues In Focus
The DoubleTree hotel in Atlantic Beach remains closed for repairs for damage caused during Hurricane Florence in September 2018. Photo: Mark Hibbs The blue tarps that dotted the landscape from Carteret to Brunswick counties are disappearing, businesses are reopening, but as communities reliant on tourism prepare for the season ahead,…
Session Ahead: Oysters, Storm Damage, PFAS
RALEIGH – The legislative session cranks up in earnest at the end of the month, but members putting together bills and budgets on environmental and mariculture initiatives are getting an early start. Ami Wilbur, right, with technician Amy Finelli, directs the UNC Wilmington Shellfish Research Hatchery, studying oysters and other…