FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2014
CONTACT: Debra Rezeli, Director of Engagement, Office 919.839.0006 x 101, debra@nclcv.org
WILMINGTON – Yesterday, approximately 90 environmental advocates and supporters gathered in Wilmington for a reception hosted by the NC League of Conservation Voters. The event featured Attorney General Roy Cooper, who spoke on the importance of protecting North Carolina’s natural resources for current and future generations.
“I’m deeply concerned about what this legislature and governor have done regarding our air and water. They have come in and eliminated numerous environmental safeguards. They’ve cut back those who inspect and ensure that our water and air is protected. You see from this coal ash spill [in the Dan River] the kind of things that can happen if you don’t pay enough attention,” Cooper stated.
Several critical pieces of environmental legislation are part of the 2014 General Assembly’s short session, including bills on coal ash ponds, hydraulic fracturing, wetlands protection, and local government control over tree ordinances. Those in attendance nodded along with the Attorney General as he highlighted the critical connection protecting natural resources has to NC’s coastal economy.
“We’re in one of the greatest tourism spots in the world, right here in Wilmington, and we need to make sure we protect our natural resources for our kids and grandkids, so it can continue to be an economic asset for the future of our state,” Cooper said.
The NC League of Conservation Voters awarded Cooper the Catalyst Award at the 2009 Green Tie Awards dinner. At that time, the Attorney General worked relentlessly to protect NC’s air in two major cases: requiring the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to install and operate basic pollution control equipment and the good neighbor provision to compel the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce the Clean Air Interstate Rule. Additionally, Cooper continued the Smithfield Agreement to find ways to reduce air and water pollution from hog operations. Since receiving this recognition, the Attorney General has continued to keep the environment as a priority as he works on behalf of our state and its people.
Before taking office in 2001, he served in the state senate and house. Carrie Clark, Executive Director of the NC League of Conservation Voters, commended Cooper on his record of addressing concerns with positive change.
“He has a good, strong history of representing the environment. He was instrumental in the Clean Smokestacks [Act] and cleaning up our air,” Clark said.
Additional event coverage can be found at:
Roy Cooper concerned, ready for change in NC
Cooper stops in Wilmington, talks coal ash & GOP decision-making
NC League of Conservation Voters is a statewide environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and enhancing North Carolina’s natural environment. NCLCV has been working to protect North Carolina’s environment and our citizen’s health for over 40 years, turning environmental values into North Carolina priorities. NCLCV’s vision for the future of North Carolina is that all citizens and our elected decision-makers will better understand and appreciate North Carolina’s unique natural environment, and the integral role it plays in North Carolina’s economy and quality of life.
