Senate rewrites energy bill to block renewable development
June 29, 2017
The Senate approved a rewritten House bill that would set moratoriums on solar and wind projects. The bill now goes back to the House for review.
NC House rejects billboard industry support measure
June 26, 2017
House Bill 581 would have sacrificed trees and local government control at the behest of the billboard industry. But it was defeated on a 49-66 no vote.
State budget heading to Cooper's desk
June 23, 2017
The Legislature has accomplished the main goal of the long session - passing a budget - so the 2017 session should wrap up soon, Cassie Gavin writes. Legislative leaders hope to adjourn by July 4, which means a flurry of activity in these last days...
Group leaders see how wind works for NC
June 21, 2017
Sierra Club leaders from the Croatan, Cape Fear and Cypress groups joined some of our staff for a tour of the Amazon Wind Farm in Perquimans and Pasquotank counties. Have a look at the photos!
Budget deal looms as Legislature wraps up environmental bills
June 16, 2017
North Carolina's legislative leaders are saying that a state budget is expected to be voted on next week, so now is a hectic time behind the scenes. As the 2017 session draws to a close, we often see last-ditch efforts by legislators and lobbyists...
Senate proposes limiting public access to courts for environmental cases
June 15, 2017
The provision would affect challenges to water, air, coastal development and interbasin transfer permits.
Energy, billboards take spotlight as Legislature winds down
June 9, 2017
This week was a fast-paced one at the Legislature as the end of session seems to be nearing. Reports are that the state budget will be passed within a few weeks, and session rarely lasts long after that.
Help protect marine mammals from seismic testing
June 7, 2017
Seismic testing for oil and gas off the North Carolina coast can have a detrimental effect on many things - wildlife, tourism and the environment. Right now, the federal government wants your input on requests for permits that would allow an impact...
Still a mixed bag as NC House budget details revealed
June 2, 2017
The NC House has provided more details on its budget proposal and - as we heard from Cassie Gavin last week - the news is a mix of good and bad for environmental advocates. There's more money for the Department of Environmental Quality, but some...
House budget tidbits offer slightly better news for environment
May 26, 2017
Cassie Gavin, our director of government relations, reports on the state budget proposal sections just released by the House and how the environmental provisions compare to those in the Senate-proposed spending plan. She reports on the progress of...