A controversial shellfish aquaculture bill appeared stalled at the week’s end, but the N.C. General Assembly has already approved dozens of coastal provisions in their rush to wrap up the session by the end of the month.
GenX
DEQ Takes Further Action Against Chemours
DEQ Monday issued to Chemours a proposed court order requiring action to cut air emissions and water impacts caused by GenX and other compounds, as well as a notice of violation for 18 more compounds found at its facility.
GenX Aware: Old Assumptions, New Attitudes
In the second and final part of our series on the anniversary of the first GenX news report, we examine what has changed in terms of the public’s awareness, behavior and how they may vote.
Cooper Vetoes Spending Plan, Override Likely
Gov. Roy Cooper, citing Wednesday legislative leaders’ “authoritarian power grab,” vetoed the budget approved last week, a move Republicans are expected to override.
GenX Wake-up Call, Legislative Snooze Button
It’s been a year since news was first reported of GenX and other contaminants in the Cape Fear region’s drinking water, but despite all the attention, little progress has been made to protect public health.
‘What’s In Our Water?’ Panel Discussion Set
The Cape Fear Chapter of Surfrider Foundation is set to host on Thursday a panel discussion, What’s in Our Water?, as part of Clean Water Week.
First Clean Water Week Begins June 1
Five nonprofit groups have organized the first Clean Water Week June 1-7 to recognize the year anniversary of the announcement that GenX and other chemicals are present in the Cape Fear River and the Wilmington area’s drinking water supply.
Industry Gets Changes on GenX Bill
The N.C. Manufacturers Alliance, of which the GenX manufacturer Chemours is a part, got the three changes to legislation targeting the company’s chemical emissions it asked for.
Budget Plan Funds Dredge, GenX Studies
Among other coastal provisions, Republicans’ state budget proposal released Monday commits $15 million for a dredge for Oregon Inlet and $5 million to the N.C. Policy Collaboratory for GenX research.
Lower Cape Fear Focus of Restoration Effort
Groups including the North Carolina Coastal Federation recently unveiled the Lower Cape Fear River Blueprint, a long-range plan for restoring and protecting the river’s coastal area.
Gov., DEQ Warn About New GenX Legislation
Gov. Roy Cooper and DEQ officials warned that the latest proposed legislation in response to health concerns about GenX and other emerging contaminants could be problematic.
Budget Process Underway, Draws Criticism
The process for this year’s state budget, which includes key items for the coast such as beach renourishment and a private-public partnership to purchase a dredge for Oregon Inlet, is facing criticism.
New GenX Bills Prompt Enforcement Worries
GenX-related bills filed late last week in the N.C. General Assembly quickly drew criticism from environmental groups and a former regulator that they could create unintended consequences in the enforcement of existing pollution laws.
Coastal Research Projects Receive Funds
Three new research projects that address research flood risks, emerging contaminants and new tourism options focusing on dark skies have received funding from the North Carolina Community Collaborative Research Grant Program.
House, Senate Move Toward Deal on GenX
House and Senate leaders and legislators from New Hanover, Brunswick and Cumberland counties met behind closed doors Wednesday to try and hammer out a compromise on legislation to address GenX and other chemicals in the southeast region’s drinking water.
Cooper’s Budget Plan Funds Conservation
Gov. Roy Cooper announced Thursday his budget proposal, which includes a return of the revenues from deed stamp taxes on real estate transactions to state conservation funds.
