Legislature

  • Reckoning with Climate Change Ahead

    In the wake of Hurricane Florence, the North Carolina General Assembly has given more attention to climate change, though some legislators remain skeptical.

  • Bill Would Ax Water, Park Trust Fund Boards

    The state Senate Thursday advanced a bill that would eliminate the oversight boards for the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and four other boards.

  • On Ballot this Fall, an Historic Power Struggle

    Five former N.C. governors urged voters to reject the constitutional amendments the legislature has approved for the ballot in November’s election, as the Southern Environmental Law Center and the NAACP launch a court challenge.

  • Analysis: NC’s Battle for Regulatory Control

    One of the General Assembly’s six proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot this fall would significantly shift toward the legislature the state’s longstanding balance of power in environmental regulation.

  • Coastal Changes OK’d In Whirlwind Session

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.