Budget negotiations are still underway, which has left a fairly slow week at the legislature for environmental issues. However, the conference committee that will be working on a compromise for the Coal Ash Management Act of 2014 has been appointed: Representatives McGrady, Samuelson, Hager, Glazier and Senators Berger, Wade, and Apodaca.
This conference committee can really make a change for the better and put provisions in the bill that will protect North Carolinians, our drinking water, and the environment. Despite the claims, Duke Energy has not done its part in cleaning up this mess, so it is up to the General Assembly to pass a strong bill that will hold Duke Energy accountable. Folks at the Fayetteville Observer declare that SB729 falls far short of our needs.
That being said, two more bad bills have come to the floor and are quickly being pushed through as we near the end of session:
- SB883, which exempts any riparian buffer impacts associated with the piping of a stream under a Corps permit from mitigation requirements.
- HB201, which exempts certain buildings from current energy code requirements, prevents increased control of stormwater runoff unless mandated by federal law, and exempts certain projects from the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act.
This is the time where several new provisions, good or bad, pop up and are pushed through the legislature very quickly. Keep your eyes open and your mind sharp as session comes to an end, and don’t let bad environmental legislation slip by you.
OPPOSE
SB729 COAL ASH MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2014
SB38 AMEND ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS 2014
SB883 DISAPPROVE/AMEND BUFFER RULES
HB201 BUILDING REUTILIZATION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACT
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.
