Dear Friends,
Crossover is behind us, and now is the time when we can all sit back, kick up our feet, and… oh… the budget is here.
This past weekend the Senate released their proposed 2013-2015 state budget, and we would like to make note of a few items that cause us concern.
- While we understand the desire for owners of electric and hybrid vehicles to contribute the gas tax revenue lost by their use of more efficient vehicles, we worry that imposing an extra fee at registration may have a chilling effect on people acquiring the vehicles in the first place. Citizens who choose to support our environment should be rewarded for that decision, not burdened.
- Fracking is back in the picture, as the Senate proposed funding for four positions to help the Mining and Energy Commission deal with shale gas resources. Funding was also allocated for the government to analyze the state’s shale gas basins. While we believe that the expenditures for shale gas would be better served developing long-term renewable energy programs such as solar, wind, or tidal, we appreciate allowing DENR to use incoming funds to help with its regulatory activities over oil and gas.
- We are concerned about the drastic cuts in funding to a number of non-profits and environmental programs, especially those that support preserving family farms and educating our communities about the natural beauty and wonder of the sounds. These are part of the fabric of North Carolina life and should be protected.
As a result of crossover week, a number of bills you have seen in our previous HotLists have been laid to rest. Below is an updated list of currently active legislation that we oppose or support. Please feel free to contact us with any questions at michael@nclcv.org and logan@nclcv.org, or you can contact Dan at dan@nclcv.org.
Best,
Michael and Logan | michael@nclcv.org, logan@nclcv.org
OPPOSE
HB74 PERIODIC REVIEW AND EXPIRATION OF RULES
HB94 AMEND ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS | SB112
HB120 BLDING CODES: LOCAL CONSISTENCY/EXEMPT CABLE
HB201 REINSTATE 2009 ENERGY CONSERVATION CODES
HB628 PROTECT/PROMOTE NC LUMBER
HB1011 GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION AND EFFICIENCY ACT
SB10 GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION AND EFFICIENCY ACT
SB112 AMEND ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS | HB94
SB151 COASTAL POLICY REFORM ACT OF 2013
SB163 PROTECT LANDOWNERS’ WATER RIGHTS
SB515 NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS REFORM ACT
SB612 REGULATORY REFORM ACT OF 2013
SB635 TRANSMISSION LINE OWNERSHIP
SB677 CORPORATE INCOME TAX REDUCTION & REFORM
SB710 FAIR SHARE CONTRIBUTION FOR ELECT. VEHICLES
SUPPORT
HB315 PLASTICS LABELING REQUIREMENTS
HB401 EFFICIENT AND AFFORDABLE ENERGY RATES
HB440 NORTH CAROLINA BENEFIT CORPORATION ACT
HB573 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FEE USES
SB706 EXTEND RENEWABLE ENERGY TAX CREDIT CARRYOVER
The HotList is a weekly email the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters (NCLCV) sends out during session where we talk about relevant legislation and share information on key environmental issues as they come before the General Assembly. While primarily intended for elected representatives, the HotList is also made public to any and all who are concerned about the environment.
