Could the ocean’s power be tapped as a renewable, acceptable, backup energy source for Outer Banks residents? That’s what National Science Foundation-funded research at the Coastal Studies Institute seeks to find out.
energy
BOEM begins planning second Atlantic offshore wind lease
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is in the early stages of planning to determine new wind energy areas for the Central Atlantic region.
Chowan community embraces Timbermill Wind at kickoff
The governor, local officials, landowners and folks from around Chowan County turned out at the blade-signing event for the 45-turbine wind energy project that is being credited as a needed economic boost that sustains farming.
Air permit reclassifies Wilmington terminal to major source
While emissions will not increase, state air quality officials say a change in ownership of the former Buckeye gasoline and fuel oil terminal on Front Street means more frequent inspections and more stringent reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Brunswick Nuclear Plant sirens to undergo testing
The 38 sirens within 10 miles of the plant by Southport will sound for 5 to 30 seconds starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Film on climate change adaption screening in April
There is no charge to attend the screening of the film, which focuses on how residents are facing challenges of climate change, but registration is required.
Amid losses, wood pellet company Enviva at risk of default
The company with a significant economic and environmental footprint in North Carolina is facing “substantial doubt” about its ability to stay in business.
N.C. Oil and Gas Commission to meet Feb. 7
An agenda and supporting documents will be posted before the meeting on the commission website.
Pender revises zoning ‘to properly regulate’ solar farms
Commissioners amended zoning text Dec. 5, less than a week after a California-based solar company filed a lawsuit against the county for turning down its request for a permit.
Coastal researchers see potential in capturing ocean energy
As wind and solar become a bigger part of the energy mix, North Carolina researchers are looking to also harness the Atlantic Ocean’s power.
Groups challenge NC’s biogas general permit for hog farms
The Environmental Justice Community Action Network contend the Department of Environmental Quality’s biogas general permit for large-scale hog farms put communities at risk.
Supreme Court ruling will not stop NC’s required CO2 cuts
But the recent 6-3 decision limiting EPA authority to address climate change has broader national implications that will affect the Tar Heel State, environmental law experts say.
Competitors face off to create fresh water with wave power
Competition demonstrates that wave-powered desalination systems can supply fresh water to people in coastal locations, including in disaster-recovery situations.
On current trajectory, NC won’t meet climate goals
Second in a commentary series by Michelle Allen of the nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund: The state, despite its leadership on climate policy, is on track to fall short of power sector carbon-reduction targets.
Order sets vital climate, equity goals; how will NC respond?
Guest columnist Michelle Allen with the nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund writes that Gov. Roy Cooper’s Jan. 7 executive order sends an important signal on addressing climate change and creating a more equitable future, but swift action is needed.
Institute part of effort to study harnessing ocean’s energy
The Coastal Studies Institute on the Outer Banks is now part of a global scientific collaborative to capitalize on the blue economy, which was highlighted during the U.N. climate conference in November as a technological revolution.
