Dear Friends,
As session’s end draws ever closer, new legislation continues to pop up that give us concern for the well-being of North Carolina, and makes us wonder why such important issues are being rushed through rather than having the time taken to consider all possible impacts they might have.
We are speaking of course of the latest piece of legislation to somehow become about fracking: SB 127. The newly modified bill would repeal a section of the just-passed and yet-to-be-signed SB 76 giving the MEC the time they need to make rules regarding oil and gas development. Instead, the MEC would be forced to make these rules before October 1, 2014, whether or not that gives them enough time to fully study the issues and decide upon a reasonable conclusion. The bill would also allow fracking permits to be issued beginning on July 1, 2015 without the need for prior legislative approval through the repeal of Section 3(d) of S.L. 2012-143, which SB 76 would require. Instead of waiting to ensure the rules are in place and everything is set, SB 127 repeals Section 3(d) immediately and just hopes that everything will turn out fine. The final change in this bill would set severance tax rates, and would forbid local governments from levying their own taxes on these companies operating within their borders. SB 76 established a study to set the appropriate amount for these taxes, but once again, SB 127 rushes the process. Demonstrating the carelessness of such reckless and rushed action, SB 127 does not repeal the study of the appropriate tax rate that is required under SB 76, meaning that the taxes will be set and then the rate at which they should be set will be studied. This sort of backwards logic is what happens when careful consideration is not given to every provision of potentially dangerous legislation such as this.
We have said before and will say again: fracking must be done carefully and safely, and must not be rushed. Rewriting and repealing legislation passed just two days ago is reckless and shows a lack of careful consideration of the issues at hand. It’s time to slow down, allow the MEC to make the rules within their own timeframe, and take everything step-by-step.
We urge you to oppose SB 127.
As always, a list of legislation still active that we oppose or support is below. Feel free to e-mail us at logan@nclcv.org,michael@nclcv.org, or dan@nclcv.org with any questions.
Best,
Michael and Logan | michael@nclcv.org, logan@nclcv.org
OPPOSE
HB74 PERIODIC REVIEW AND EXPIRATION OF RULES
HB94 AMEND ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS | SB112
HB201 REINSTATE 2009 ENERGY CONSERVATION CODES
HB1011 GOVERNMENT REORGANIZATION AND EFFICIENCY ACT
SB112 CREATE JOBS THROUGH REGULATORY REFORM | HB94
SB127 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MODIFICATIONS
SB151 COASTAL POLICY REFORM ACT OF 2013
SB163 PROTECT LANDOWNERS’ WATER RIGHTS
SB328 SOLID WASTE REFORM ACT OF 2013
SB515 JORDAN LAKE WATER QUALITY ACT
SB612 REGULATORY REFORM ACT OF 2013
SB677 CORPORATE INCOME TAX REDUCTION & REFORM
SB710 FAIR SHARE CONTRIBUTION FOR ELECT. VEHICLES
SUPPORT
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.
