According to a survey conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research earlier this year, only 1% of Tar Heel voters cited the environment and climate change as the most important issues facing the country today—falling below “Other” and “Not Sure.” But to maintain North Carolina’s high quality of life and to continue growing our state’s economy, we must protect the air, water, and natural resources that make North Carolina special. This is why we need now more than ever to elect candidates who will make the environment a political priority.
In the 2008 elections, CCNC helped elect 71 of the 73 candidates we endorsed. These same elected officials did the job by ensuring a pro-conservation outcome for 10 of the 12 environmental bills Conservation Council worked on during the last legislative session. Please take a look at our 2010 Legislative Scorecard at http://www.conservationcouncilnc.org/ for a complete record of the key issues scored and how your representative voted on each.
We need your help once again this year. Your vote for our endorsed, pro-conservation candidates listed below and a gift to the Conservation PAC are two of the most important things you can do to help protect North Carolina’s environment, the health of our communities, and our economy.
With the General Election right around the corner, your contribution today will help us change the way environmental decisions are made in North Carolina. Your gift of $50, $100, $250 or $1,000 will make a huge impact, but gifts of any amount are appreciated.
Please help us elect leaders who stand up for conservation and successfully ensure a pro-environment majority in the NC General Assembly. Together, we will pass strong environmental policies for North Carolina.
Sincerely, Carrie Clark, Executive Director
P.S. Anti-environmental interests are spending more money in this election than ever before. Help us level the playing field by making your gift to the Conservation PAC today!
Remember early voting starts today October 14 and continues through October 30. You can find your early voter site at ncvoterinfo.org/
2010 Conservation PAC General Election Endorsements
North Carolina State Senate Races
District 1 – Sen. Marc Basnight, D-Dare
District 2 –Barbara Garrity-Blake, D-Craven
District 7 – Sen. Doug Berger, D-Franklin
District 9 – Jim Leutze, D-New Hanover
District 12 – Jody McCloud, D-Johnston
District 15 – Sen. Neal Hunt, R-Wake
District 16 – Sen. Josh Stein, D-Wake
District 17 – Sen. Richard Stevens, R-Wake
District 18 – Sen. Bob Atwater, D-Chatham
District 19 – Sen. Margaret Dickson, D-Cumberland
District 21 – Eric Mansfield, D-Cumberland
District 23 – Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, D-Orange
District 27 – Sen. Don Vaughan, D-Guilford
District 28 – Gladys Robinson, D-Guilford
District 36 – Sen. Fletcher Hartsell, R-Cabarrus
District 37 – Sen. Dan Clodfelter, D-Meck.
District 40 – Sen. Malcolm Graham, D-Meck.
District 44 – Beth Jones D-Burke
District 45 – Sen. Steve Goss, D-Watauga
District 49 – Sen. Martin Nesbitt, D-Buncombe
North Carolina State House Races
District 3 – Rep. Alice Underhill, D-Craven
District 5 – Rep. Annie Mobley, D-Bertie
District 7 – Rep. Angela Bryant, D-Halifax
District 9 – Rep. Marion McLawhorn, D-Pitt
District 16 – Rep. Carolyn Justice, R-New Hanover
District 19 – Rep. Danny McComas, R-New Hanover
District 20 – Rep. Dewey Hill, D-Columbus
District 21 – Rep. Larry Bell, D-Sampson
District 23 – Rep. Joe Tolson, D-Edgcombe
District 24 – Rep. Jean Farmer-Butterfield, D-Wilson
District 29 – Rep. Larry Hall, D-Durham
District 30 – Rep. Paul Luebke, D-Durham
District 33 – Rep. Rosa Gill, D-Wake
District 34 – Rep. Grier Martin, D-Wake
District 35 – Rep. Jennifer Weiss, D-Wake
District 36 – Robin Anderson, D-Wake
District 37 – Debra McHenry, D-Wake
District 38 – Rep. Deborah Ross, D-Wake
District 40 – Violet Rhinehart, D-Wake
District 41 – Rep. Chris Heagarty, D-Wake
District 44 – Rep. Diane Parfitt, D-Cumberland
District 45 – Rep. Rick Glazier, D-Cumberland
District 50 – Rep. Bill Faison, D-Orange
District 54 – Rep. Joe Hackney, D-Orange
District 55 – Rep. Winkie Wilkins, D-Person
District 56 – Rep. Verla Insko, D-Orange
District 57 – Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford
District 58 – Rep. Alma Adams, D-Guilford
District 63 – Rep. Alice Bordsen, D-Alamance
District 81 – Rep. Hugh Holliman, D-Davidson
District 85 – Beth Ostgaard, D-McDowell
District 93 – Rep. Cullie Tarleton, D-Ashe
District 99 – Rodney Moore, D-Meck.
District 100 – Rep. Tricia Cotham, D-Meck.
District 102 – Rep. Becky Carney, D-Meck.
District 103 – Ann Newman, D-Meck.
District 104 – Rep. Ruth Samuelson, R-Meck.
District 106 – Rep. Martha Alexander, D-Meck.
District 107 – Rep. Kelly Alexander, D-Meck.
District 114 – Rep. Susan Fisher, D-Buncombe
District 115 – Patsy Keever, D-Buncombe
District 117 – Chuck McGrady, R-Henderson
District 118 – Rep. Ray Rapp, D-Madison
District 119 – Rep. Phil Haire, D-Jackson
Showing posts with label CCNC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CCNC. Show all posts
10/15/2010
8/18/2009
Conservation Insider Bulletin, Aug. 14
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, cib@conservationcouncilnc.org
August 14, 2009
It's time for some environmental scorekeeping from the just-completed legislative session, plus a glance ahead at some of this fall's municipal campaigns, this week in CIB:
Legislative Watch: Done Deals; Lurking Menaces; Live Opportunities
Looking back over the General Assembly session just ended, here are some of the items that stand out, for good or bad.
Done Deals: The General Assembly took final action on a number of environmental priority items this year. They include the following:
--Transit finance: Gaining final passage on the last day of the session, HB 148, "Congestion Relief / Intermodal Transport Fund", could represent a major step forward for mass transit in North Carolina. The bill gives five urban counties in the Triangle and Triad regions the right to hold local referenda establishing an optional half-cent sales tax increment for transit finance—similar to the one which Mecklenburg County has used to underwrite its new light rail line. The other North Carolina counties can hold referenda on an optional quarter-cent sales tax increment for public transit funding. Wake, Durham, and Orange are expected to seek to use their new authority to boost the Triangle Transit Authority's proposed light rail system.
--Reservoir rules: Earlier in the session, environmental advocates achieved an acceptable compromise for rules to clean up Jordan Reservoir, through passage of HB 239, "Restore Water Quality in Jordan Reservoir".
--Energy action: The state's renewable energy tax credit (HB 512) was extended until 2016; and local governments were authorized to establish revolving loan funds for energy improvements (HB 1389). HB 1389 will authorize municipalities and counties to use federal stimulus and other funds to finance loans for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. These two bills will help to keep clean energy development moving in our state during a very tough economic period.
Lurking Menaces: Some worrisome proposals were approved by one chamber or the other, keeping them alive for consideration during the "short session" in 2010, including these:
--Beach bummer: SB 832, "CRC May Permit Terminal Groin", passed the Senate and awaits consideration in the House. This terrible bill would rip a gaping hole in the state's long-standing policy of prohibiting new hard structures on the oceanfront, and lead to accelerated loss of coastal beaches.
--Wind chill: SB 1068, "Permitting of Wind Energy Facilities", which in its current form would effectively ban commercial wind generation in the mountains, was approved by the Senate. The bill started life as a generally positive proposal to systemitize the regulation of wind energy development—which is still needed—but during debate in committee, amendments were added which took a darker turn. Fortunately, the House referred the legislation to the House Energy and Energy Efficiency Committee, to be followed by review in the House Finance Committee, with final action likely in 2010. Conservationists are hopeful of repairing the proposal during that process.
-- Rule-unmaking: HB 1335, "Moratorium on EMC Rule Making", ironically passed the Senate, not the House, in its current form. After almost passing the Senate as a blanket moratorium on all Environmental Management Commission (EMC) rulemaking, it was reduced to a moratorium on rules requiring monitoring of water pollution from hog farms. Hear no evil, see no evil...and evil.
Live Opportunities: On the plus side, there are other bills still alive which offer positive opportunities, including this one:
--Local campaigns public financing: CCNC is one of many citizen groups to endorse HB 120, "Public Municipal Campaigns", which would empower the State Board of Elections to authorize more cities or towns to conduct pilot projects in public financing of local campaigns. It passed the House but couldn't quite pull together the votes for passage on the Senate floor and was returned to committee there. Why is this an environmental issue? Well, consider—the vigorous opposition to this entirely voluntary campaign reform effort was led by development interests, which are perfectly happy with their current heavy financial influence on the election of local officials. There's still a chance to move this bill forward in next year's "short session".
Campaign Watch: Green Fields
Last month, CIB invited comments on contests to watch during this fall's municipal election campaigns. Here's what we've heard thus far:
Greensboro: Joel Landau, the general manager of Deep Roots Market, is running for the Greensboro City Council seat from District 4. His experience includes membership on the Greensboro Community Sustainability Council, the Greensboro Planning Board, and the Greensboro chapter of Cool Cities (which promotes local action on climate change). Greensboro's nonpartisan October 6 primary will narrow the field in District 4 to two candidates for the November 3 general election. More information on this and the other Greensboro council races is available at www.triadpolitics.info , a site containing information prepared by the Triad's alternative newsweekly, YES Weekly.
Raleigh: Raleigh city elections routinely feature environmental themes. This year, state environmental legend Bill Holman appears in advertising for the re-election campaigns of Raleigh City Councillors Nancy McFarlane and Russ Stephenson, under the theme "Environmental Stewardship for Raleigh". Among other issue references, McFarlane touts her involvement with efforts such as "Muddy Water Watch" and the push for stronger stormwater controls. Stephenson features his advocacy for sustainable design and the reform of water resources planning.
Cary: Our Cary correspondent points to a contest of interest in Cary Council District A, where three Democratic challengers face a Republican incumbent in this officially non-partisan race. Incumbent Jennifer Robinson was previously viewed as having "strong environmental leanings", but is seen as having more recently sided with "grow at all costs" interests. The three challengers include Cynthia Sinkez, seen as a supporter of environmental causes. Cary's city elections are October 6.
Winston-Salem: There are hot contests with environmental policy implications in several of this city's districts ("wards"), both in the September 15 primary and the November 3 general election. Of these, perhaps the most interesting is the Democratic primary in the North Ward. The North Ward's current representative, Nelson Malloy (perhaps the "greenest" member of the Winston-Salem City Council), is retiring due to ill health. Three Democrats (D.D. Adams, Wayne Patterson, and Phillip Carter) are competing to take his place, and environmental matters make their lists of concerns. Adams is currently a member of the city's Sustainability Commission. Patterson speaks of his support for more bike lanes and sidewalks, preservation of green space, and expanded use of biodiesel. All three Democrats are African-American. The Democratic primary winner will be heavily favored in the general election in this majority-minority district. More information on these candidates and all the other Winston-Salem contests also can be found at www.triadpolitics.info .
We know that there's more happening out there. Reader tips on where to look for local environmental campaign items are welcome.
Washington Watch: EPA Invites Clean Water Enforcement Plan Comments
The U.S. EPA announced this week that it has created an "online discussion forum" to receive public comments on its national enforcement program on clean water laws. Comments will be received online through August 28. Comments received will be considered by the EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance in its development of a strengthened enforcement action plan.
Information on development of the plan is available at:
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/cwa/cwaenfplan.html
Comments will be taken at http://blog.epa.gov.cwaactionplan.
Conservationists: Sustainable Energy Group Seeks Nominees
The N.C. Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) has announced that it is seeking nominations of individuals to serve three-year terms on its board of directors, beginning this October. NCSEA bills itself as a non-profit membership organization "working to ensure a sustainable future by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in North Carolina through education, public policy and economic development."
Nominees must be NCSEA members (presumably, by the time they're nominated), and nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. August 25. The NCSEA website is www.energync.org, and more info on the nominations process is available from Julie Robinson, NCSEA's Director of Marketing & Communications, at julie@energync.org.
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, cib@conservationcouncilnc.org
August 14, 2009
It's time for some environmental scorekeeping from the just-completed legislative session, plus a glance ahead at some of this fall's municipal campaigns, this week in CIB:
Legislative Watch: Done Deals; Lurking Menaces; Live Opportunities
Looking back over the General Assembly session just ended, here are some of the items that stand out, for good or bad.
Done Deals: The General Assembly took final action on a number of environmental priority items this year. They include the following:
--Transit finance: Gaining final passage on the last day of the session, HB 148, "Congestion Relief / Intermodal Transport Fund", could represent a major step forward for mass transit in North Carolina. The bill gives five urban counties in the Triangle and Triad regions the right to hold local referenda establishing an optional half-cent sales tax increment for transit finance—similar to the one which Mecklenburg County has used to underwrite its new light rail line. The other North Carolina counties can hold referenda on an optional quarter-cent sales tax increment for public transit funding. Wake, Durham, and Orange are expected to seek to use their new authority to boost the Triangle Transit Authority's proposed light rail system.
--Reservoir rules: Earlier in the session, environmental advocates achieved an acceptable compromise for rules to clean up Jordan Reservoir, through passage of HB 239, "Restore Water Quality in Jordan Reservoir".
--Energy action: The state's renewable energy tax credit (HB 512) was extended until 2016; and local governments were authorized to establish revolving loan funds for energy improvements (HB 1389). HB 1389 will authorize municipalities and counties to use federal stimulus and other funds to finance loans for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. These two bills will help to keep clean energy development moving in our state during a very tough economic period.
Lurking Menaces: Some worrisome proposals were approved by one chamber or the other, keeping them alive for consideration during the "short session" in 2010, including these:
--Beach bummer: SB 832, "CRC May Permit Terminal Groin", passed the Senate and awaits consideration in the House. This terrible bill would rip a gaping hole in the state's long-standing policy of prohibiting new hard structures on the oceanfront, and lead to accelerated loss of coastal beaches.
--Wind chill: SB 1068, "Permitting of Wind Energy Facilities", which in its current form would effectively ban commercial wind generation in the mountains, was approved by the Senate. The bill started life as a generally positive proposal to systemitize the regulation of wind energy development—which is still needed—but during debate in committee, amendments were added which took a darker turn. Fortunately, the House referred the legislation to the House Energy and Energy Efficiency Committee, to be followed by review in the House Finance Committee, with final action likely in 2010. Conservationists are hopeful of repairing the proposal during that process.
-- Rule-unmaking: HB 1335, "Moratorium on EMC Rule Making", ironically passed the Senate, not the House, in its current form. After almost passing the Senate as a blanket moratorium on all Environmental Management Commission (EMC) rulemaking, it was reduced to a moratorium on rules requiring monitoring of water pollution from hog farms. Hear no evil, see no evil...and evil.
Live Opportunities: On the plus side, there are other bills still alive which offer positive opportunities, including this one:
--Local campaigns public financing: CCNC is one of many citizen groups to endorse HB 120, "Public Municipal Campaigns", which would empower the State Board of Elections to authorize more cities or towns to conduct pilot projects in public financing of local campaigns. It passed the House but couldn't quite pull together the votes for passage on the Senate floor and was returned to committee there. Why is this an environmental issue? Well, consider—the vigorous opposition to this entirely voluntary campaign reform effort was led by development interests, which are perfectly happy with their current heavy financial influence on the election of local officials. There's still a chance to move this bill forward in next year's "short session".
Campaign Watch: Green Fields
Last month, CIB invited comments on contests to watch during this fall's municipal election campaigns. Here's what we've heard thus far:
Greensboro: Joel Landau, the general manager of Deep Roots Market, is running for the Greensboro City Council seat from District 4. His experience includes membership on the Greensboro Community Sustainability Council, the Greensboro Planning Board, and the Greensboro chapter of Cool Cities (which promotes local action on climate change). Greensboro's nonpartisan October 6 primary will narrow the field in District 4 to two candidates for the November 3 general election. More information on this and the other Greensboro council races is available at www.triadpolitics.info , a site containing information prepared by the Triad's alternative newsweekly, YES Weekly.
Raleigh: Raleigh city elections routinely feature environmental themes. This year, state environmental legend Bill Holman appears in advertising for the re-election campaigns of Raleigh City Councillors Nancy McFarlane and Russ Stephenson, under the theme "Environmental Stewardship for Raleigh". Among other issue references, McFarlane touts her involvement with efforts such as "Muddy Water Watch" and the push for stronger stormwater controls. Stephenson features his advocacy for sustainable design and the reform of water resources planning.
Cary: Our Cary correspondent points to a contest of interest in Cary Council District A, where three Democratic challengers face a Republican incumbent in this officially non-partisan race. Incumbent Jennifer Robinson was previously viewed as having "strong environmental leanings", but is seen as having more recently sided with "grow at all costs" interests. The three challengers include Cynthia Sinkez, seen as a supporter of environmental causes. Cary's city elections are October 6.
Winston-Salem: There are hot contests with environmental policy implications in several of this city's districts ("wards"), both in the September 15 primary and the November 3 general election. Of these, perhaps the most interesting is the Democratic primary in the North Ward. The North Ward's current representative, Nelson Malloy (perhaps the "greenest" member of the Winston-Salem City Council), is retiring due to ill health. Three Democrats (D.D. Adams, Wayne Patterson, and Phillip Carter) are competing to take his place, and environmental matters make their lists of concerns. Adams is currently a member of the city's Sustainability Commission. Patterson speaks of his support for more bike lanes and sidewalks, preservation of green space, and expanded use of biodiesel. All three Democrats are African-American. The Democratic primary winner will be heavily favored in the general election in this majority-minority district. More information on these candidates and all the other Winston-Salem contests also can be found at www.triadpolitics.info .
We know that there's more happening out there. Reader tips on where to look for local environmental campaign items are welcome.
Washington Watch: EPA Invites Clean Water Enforcement Plan Comments
The U.S. EPA announced this week that it has created an "online discussion forum" to receive public comments on its national enforcement program on clean water laws. Comments will be received online through August 28. Comments received will be considered by the EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance in its development of a strengthened enforcement action plan.
Information on development of the plan is available at:
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/cwa/cwaenfplan.html
Comments will be taken at http://blog.epa.gov.cwaactionplan.
Conservationists: Sustainable Energy Group Seeks Nominees
The N.C. Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) has announced that it is seeking nominations of individuals to serve three-year terms on its board of directors, beginning this October. NCSEA bills itself as a non-profit membership organization "working to ensure a sustainable future by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in North Carolina through education, public policy and economic development."
Nominees must be NCSEA members (presumably, by the time they're nominated), and nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. August 25. The NCSEA website is www.energync.org, and more info on the nominations process is available from Julie Robinson, NCSEA's Director of Marketing & Communications, at julie@energync.org.
8/13/2009
Conservation Insider Bulletin, Aug. 7
Conservation Insider Bulletin
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, cib@conservationcouncilnc.org
August 7, 2009
More complete legislative updates will be provided in future editions, but here's where some major environmental items stand as of today's CIB press time.
Budget Approved: More than a month late and pleasing no one, the General Assembly finally approved a budget. The combination of major program cuts and significant tax increases, in response to plummeting revenues caused by the deep recession, left a sour mood in all camps. In the process, critical environmental programs took their share of hard knocks. Within the context of these very rough times, Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford), chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural and Economic Resources, reports what has to be taken as the good news. The Office of Environmental Education was not eliminated, despite a Senate recommendation to do so. The Clean Water Management Trust Fund received a $50 million appropriation—not enough to make up for what was raided by the governor to cover last year's shortfalls, but much better than nothing. Finally, the Farmland Preservation Trust Fund got $2 million. Overall, spending in the categories of "natural and economic resources" took $61.2 million in cuts compared to last year's budget.
An Ill Wind: The Senate this week approved a version of SB 106 "Permitting of Wind Energy Facilities", which would effectively ban commercial wind generation in the mountains. This unfortunate turn has pitted scenic preservationists against advocates of renewable energy development. Clean energy advocates point out that the two perspectives don't have to be taken as in fundamental conflict, and that a reasonable accommodation can both preserve scenic mountain vistas and make use of a clean, reliable energy source. The Senate-passed version of the bill fails to meet that test. Fortunately, the House referred the legislation to the House Energy and Energy Efficiency Committee, to be followed by review in the House Finance Committee. This seems to indicate that the measure will be reviewed with deliberation, and improvements will be sought. Final action will likely come in 2010.
Positive Energy: Not all the energy-related news was bad. Two important energy-related items have received late legislative approval. The state's renewable energy tax credit (HB 512) was extended until 2016; and local governments were authorized to establish revolving loan funds for energy improvements (HB 1389). HB 1389 will authorize municipalities and counties to use federal stimulus and other funds to finance loans for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. These two bills will help to keep clean energy development moving in our state during a very tough economic period.
Judicial Watch: Roadless Rule Restored
There's good news for our national forests from the federal courts this week. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (out in California) has reinstated the 2001 "roadless rule" enacted by the Clinton administration just before he left office. The court's ruling tosses out a 2005 decision by the U.S. Forest Service under the Bush administration, which had reversed the Clinton rule.
The restored Roadless Rule blocks most commercial logging, mining, and other development from 58.5 million acres of roadless areas in the national forests. These roadless areas are de facto wilderness, often including areas of our remaining old growth forest, including areas in North Carolina.
The court's decision should provide regular rule underpinning to secure the Obama administration's temporary moratorium on further development in these important wilderness areas. U.S. Interior Secretary Tom Vilsack had taken personal review of all development proposals in these areas under a directive to the Forest Service on May 28 of this year.
The Other Side: Big Coal Pays for Fake Lobbying Letters
Sometimes the machinations of the forces opposing action on climate change impress even the hardened cynics. One such case was revealed this week with news that the "American Coalition for Clean Coal Energy" was bankrolling a PR firm which sent blatantly fabricated letters opposing climate change legislation to members of Congress.
The "Clean Coal Energy" group, of course, is just a front group for the coal industry itself. Nothing new there. The PR firm it hired, Bonner & Associates, was generating "astroturf" (artificial 'grassroots' lobbying) letters to swing voters in Congress. Ho-hum, old story.
But here's the kicker. These letters weren't just goosed up by Bonner; they were made up. The letterheads of real groups, like a Hispanic network group and a Virginia NAACP chapter, were used to fake letters purportedly coming from those groups, in opposition to climate change action.
According to news reports, the newspaper Charlottesville(Va.) Daily Progress "broke" news of the scandal in the case of the fake letters sent to first-term U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello (D-VA5). Since then, other similar fakes have been found to representatives from Pennsylvania. The PR firm apparently sought to target recently elected Democrats from swing districts in states where the coal industry has political clout.
MSNBC's Rachel Maddow has had a field day reporting on the scandal this week, including an interview with Perriello. Among her points, she noted that the "shocked, shocked" reaction from the "Clean Coal Energy" group ignored a previous history of similar scams involving the Bonner firm. According to Maddow's research, the "Clean Coal" group even knew about the fake letters before the House voted on ACES (American Clean Energy and Security Act) in late June, but failed to reveal the scam.
Debate in Congress over recent weeks has focused primarily on health care reform efforts—but some scandals are just too juicy to be entirely suppressed. Lettergate may prove to be one of these.
Education & Resources: eRulemaking Site Upgrades Public Access
The EPA announced this week that its eRulemaking Program has launched a "significant upgrade" to www.regulations.gov, the site which provides "one-stop, public access to information related to current and forthcoming regulations issued by the federal government." The 8/3/09 EPA news release specifically touted "improved search capabilities, new navigation tools, and easier access to areas for the public to provide comments on proposed regulations." The EPA acts as managing agency partner for the inter-agency eRulemaking Program.
This is no doubt news eagerly awaited by the burgeoning Green Cybergeek Community, of which there may be more members than I might have thought a couple of years ago. It will probably even be useful for the rest of us who periodically need to check the content or status of a federal rulemaking proposal.
And the odds are, you heard it here first. Another scoop for CIB. Eat out your hearts, mainstream media.
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, cib@conservationcouncilnc.org
August 7, 2009
More complete legislative updates will be provided in future editions, but here's where some major environmental items stand as of today's CIB press time.
Budget Approved: More than a month late and pleasing no one, the General Assembly finally approved a budget. The combination of major program cuts and significant tax increases, in response to plummeting revenues caused by the deep recession, left a sour mood in all camps. In the process, critical environmental programs took their share of hard knocks. Within the context of these very rough times, Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford), chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural and Economic Resources, reports what has to be taken as the good news. The Office of Environmental Education was not eliminated, despite a Senate recommendation to do so. The Clean Water Management Trust Fund received a $50 million appropriation—not enough to make up for what was raided by the governor to cover last year's shortfalls, but much better than nothing. Finally, the Farmland Preservation Trust Fund got $2 million. Overall, spending in the categories of "natural and economic resources" took $61.2 million in cuts compared to last year's budget.
An Ill Wind: The Senate this week approved a version of SB 106 "Permitting of Wind Energy Facilities", which would effectively ban commercial wind generation in the mountains. This unfortunate turn has pitted scenic preservationists against advocates of renewable energy development. Clean energy advocates point out that the two perspectives don't have to be taken as in fundamental conflict, and that a reasonable accommodation can both preserve scenic mountain vistas and make use of a clean, reliable energy source. The Senate-passed version of the bill fails to meet that test. Fortunately, the House referred the legislation to the House Energy and Energy Efficiency Committee, to be followed by review in the House Finance Committee. This seems to indicate that the measure will be reviewed with deliberation, and improvements will be sought. Final action will likely come in 2010.
Positive Energy: Not all the energy-related news was bad. Two important energy-related items have received late legislative approval. The state's renewable energy tax credit (HB 512) was extended until 2016; and local governments were authorized to establish revolving loan funds for energy improvements (HB 1389). HB 1389 will authorize municipalities and counties to use federal stimulus and other funds to finance loans for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. These two bills will help to keep clean energy development moving in our state during a very tough economic period.
Judicial Watch: Roadless Rule Restored
There's good news for our national forests from the federal courts this week. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (out in California) has reinstated the 2001 "roadless rule" enacted by the Clinton administration just before he left office. The court's ruling tosses out a 2005 decision by the U.S. Forest Service under the Bush administration, which had reversed the Clinton rule.
The restored Roadless Rule blocks most commercial logging, mining, and other development from 58.5 million acres of roadless areas in the national forests. These roadless areas are de facto wilderness, often including areas of our remaining old growth forest, including areas in North Carolina.
The court's decision should provide regular rule underpinning to secure the Obama administration's temporary moratorium on further development in these important wilderness areas. U.S. Interior Secretary Tom Vilsack had taken personal review of all development proposals in these areas under a directive to the Forest Service on May 28 of this year.
The Other Side: Big Coal Pays for Fake Lobbying Letters
Sometimes the machinations of the forces opposing action on climate change impress even the hardened cynics. One such case was revealed this week with news that the "American Coalition for Clean Coal Energy" was bankrolling a PR firm which sent blatantly fabricated letters opposing climate change legislation to members of Congress.
The "Clean Coal Energy" group, of course, is just a front group for the coal industry itself. Nothing new there. The PR firm it hired, Bonner & Associates, was generating "astroturf" (artificial 'grassroots' lobbying) letters to swing voters in Congress. Ho-hum, old story.
But here's the kicker. These letters weren't just goosed up by Bonner; they were made up. The letterheads of real groups, like a Hispanic network group and a Virginia NAACP chapter, were used to fake letters purportedly coming from those groups, in opposition to climate change action.
According to news reports, the newspaper Charlottesville(Va.) Daily Progress "broke" news of the scandal in the case of the fake letters sent to first-term U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello (D-VA5). Since then, other similar fakes have been found to representatives from Pennsylvania. The PR firm apparently sought to target recently elected Democrats from swing districts in states where the coal industry has political clout.
MSNBC's Rachel Maddow has had a field day reporting on the scandal this week, including an interview with Perriello. Among her points, she noted that the "shocked, shocked" reaction from the "Clean Coal Energy" group ignored a previous history of similar scams involving the Bonner firm. According to Maddow's research, the "Clean Coal" group even knew about the fake letters before the House voted on ACES (American Clean Energy and Security Act) in late June, but failed to reveal the scam.
Debate in Congress over recent weeks has focused primarily on health care reform efforts—but some scandals are just too juicy to be entirely suppressed. Lettergate may prove to be one of these.
Education & Resources: eRulemaking Site Upgrades Public Access
The EPA announced this week that its eRulemaking Program has launched a "significant upgrade" to www.regulations.gov, the site which provides "one-stop, public access to information related to current and forthcoming regulations issued by the federal government." The 8/3/09 EPA news release specifically touted "improved search capabilities, new navigation tools, and easier access to areas for the public to provide comments on proposed regulations." The EPA acts as managing agency partner for the inter-agency eRulemaking Program.
This is no doubt news eagerly awaited by the burgeoning Green Cybergeek Community, of which there may be more members than I might have thought a couple of years ago. It will probably even be useful for the rest of us who periodically need to check the content or status of a federal rulemaking proposal.
And the odds are, you heard it here first. Another scoop for CIB. Eat out your hearts, mainstream media.
6/07/2009
Conservation Insider Bulletin, June 5
Conservation Insider Bulletin
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, cib@conservationcouncilnc.org
June 5, 2009
Duke announces a big rate hike request, and a huge coastal mining operation receives a new permit, this week in CIB:
--Administrative Watch: Duke Rate Hike Would Bankroll Cliffside
--Coast Watch: Phosphate Mine Gets New Permit
--Conservationists: Yadkin Riverkeeper Wins Recognition
Administrative Watch: Duke Rate Hike Would Bankroll Cliffside
Duke Energy filed a request with the N.C. Utilities Commission this week to hike its rates by 13.5 percent for residential customers, 9.7 percent for commercial and institutional users, and 15.2 percent for industries. Duke pointed to what it said were growing capital expenses as the main reason for the big rate hike request—including its contested new coal plant under construction at Cliffside.
The Cliffside-related costs would represent Duke's largest use of the controversial "construction work in progress" (CWIP) financing technique in decades. Opponents of new coal plant construction predicted this result when North Carolina legislators adopted legislation to radically weaken limits on CWIP in 2007.
Duke's rate hike request must be reviewed and approved by the Utilities Commission before it can take effect. Industrial and other electric customers immediately signaled opposition to the Duke request and can be expected to fight it in front of the state board. The Commission denied Duke's most recent previous rate hike request in 2007—but that was before new CWIP rules went into effect.
Meanwhile, environmental groups continue to challenge the Cliffside plant's air emission permits in federal court. The N.C. Division of Air Quality has now twice approved the plant's permit, and the U.S. District Court for western North Carolina is considering whether to intervene a second time.
Coast Watch: Phosphate Mine Gets New Permit
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers this week issued a new permit for the massive PCS Phosphates mining operation on the Pamlico River in Beaufort County. The action may spell the end of a multi-year fight over the terms of expanding surface mining operations there, or could result in further challenges.
The Section 404 water quality permit would allow the company to mine through thousands of additional acres of wetlands near the river. It's the largest single permitted wetlands destruction operation in North Carolina history. The permit was held up by EPA directive earlier this year while the Corps reassessed what it would allow the company to do.
Citizen conservation groups including the Southern Environmental Law Center have been among those challenging PCS' mining expansion plans. Among the key issues has been the company's proposal to mine through a "nationally significant" hardwood swamp forest covering the headwaters of a Pamlico tributary stream.
An EPA spokesperson reacted favorably to some changes included in the Corps-approved permit, but noted that the agency continued to review the details. EPA has a short time within which to decide whether or not to challenge the permit further. Conservation groups are also in the process of reviewing the permit details. (Some facts for this article were drawn from the Washington Daily News, 6/4/09 and 6/5/09.)
Conservationists: Yadkin Riverkeeper Wins Recognition
Dean Naujoks, Yadkin Riverkeeper, received the River Network's 2009 National River Hero Award last weekend at the organization's annual national River Rally, held this year in Baltimore. The River Network promotes clean water restoration and protection, and has about 700 partner groups around the country.
Naujoks, who has worked on the Yadkin since October 2008, previously served for seven years as the Upper Neuse Riverkeeper. Zoe Gamble Hanes, president of the Yadkin Riverkeeper group, noted that Naujoks' work has gained particular attention through his efforts to reduce toxics pollution in Badin Lake associated with the former Alcoa operations there. (Gamble Hanes is also a member of the CCNC board of directors.)
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, cib@conservationcouncilnc.org
June 5, 2009
Duke announces a big rate hike request, and a huge coastal mining operation receives a new permit, this week in CIB:
--Administrative Watch: Duke Rate Hike Would Bankroll Cliffside
--Coast Watch: Phosphate Mine Gets New Permit
--Conservationists: Yadkin Riverkeeper Wins Recognition
Administrative Watch: Duke Rate Hike Would Bankroll Cliffside
Duke Energy filed a request with the N.C. Utilities Commission this week to hike its rates by 13.5 percent for residential customers, 9.7 percent for commercial and institutional users, and 15.2 percent for industries. Duke pointed to what it said were growing capital expenses as the main reason for the big rate hike request—including its contested new coal plant under construction at Cliffside.
The Cliffside-related costs would represent Duke's largest use of the controversial "construction work in progress" (CWIP) financing technique in decades. Opponents of new coal plant construction predicted this result when North Carolina legislators adopted legislation to radically weaken limits on CWIP in 2007.
Duke's rate hike request must be reviewed and approved by the Utilities Commission before it can take effect. Industrial and other electric customers immediately signaled opposition to the Duke request and can be expected to fight it in front of the state board. The Commission denied Duke's most recent previous rate hike request in 2007—but that was before new CWIP rules went into effect.
Meanwhile, environmental groups continue to challenge the Cliffside plant's air emission permits in federal court. The N.C. Division of Air Quality has now twice approved the plant's permit, and the U.S. District Court for western North Carolina is considering whether to intervene a second time.
Coast Watch: Phosphate Mine Gets New Permit
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers this week issued a new permit for the massive PCS Phosphates mining operation on the Pamlico River in Beaufort County. The action may spell the end of a multi-year fight over the terms of expanding surface mining operations there, or could result in further challenges.
The Section 404 water quality permit would allow the company to mine through thousands of additional acres of wetlands near the river. It's the largest single permitted wetlands destruction operation in North Carolina history. The permit was held up by EPA directive earlier this year while the Corps reassessed what it would allow the company to do.
Citizen conservation groups including the Southern Environmental Law Center have been among those challenging PCS' mining expansion plans. Among the key issues has been the company's proposal to mine through a "nationally significant" hardwood swamp forest covering the headwaters of a Pamlico tributary stream.
An EPA spokesperson reacted favorably to some changes included in the Corps-approved permit, but noted that the agency continued to review the details. EPA has a short time within which to decide whether or not to challenge the permit further. Conservation groups are also in the process of reviewing the permit details. (Some facts for this article were drawn from the Washington Daily News, 6/4/09 and 6/5/09.)
Conservationists: Yadkin Riverkeeper Wins Recognition
Dean Naujoks, Yadkin Riverkeeper, received the River Network's 2009 National River Hero Award last weekend at the organization's annual national River Rally, held this year in Baltimore. The River Network promotes clean water restoration and protection, and has about 700 partner groups around the country.
Naujoks, who has worked on the Yadkin since October 2008, previously served for seven years as the Upper Neuse Riverkeeper. Zoe Gamble Hanes, president of the Yadkin Riverkeeper group, noted that Naujoks' work has gained particular attention through his efforts to reduce toxics pollution in Badin Lake associated with the former Alcoa operations there. (Gamble Hanes is also a member of the CCNC board of directors.)
5/21/2009
CCNC, NC Green Tie Awards
http://www.conservationcouncilnc.org/our-work/green-tie-awards-1/green-tie-awards
4/27/2009
Conservation Insider Bulletin, April 24
Conservation Insider Bulletin
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, cib@conservationcouncilnc.org
April 24, 2009
Environmental action has heated up in Raleigh, with opportunities to speak up on funding priorities and coastal issues coming soon, plus national news on climate change, this week in CIB:
--Legislative Watch: Transit Funding Advances; Mountaintop Protection Stalls; Beach Bummer Up Next; Speak Out On Budget
--Coast Watch: Offshore Drilling Hearing April 27, Climate Change & the Coast May 19
--Washington Watch: EPA Climate Action a "Game-Changer"
--Education & Resources: EPA Report Says Climate Change Will Increase Regional Ozone Pollution
Legislative Watch: Transit Funding Advances; Mountaintop Protection Stalls; Beach Bummer Up Next; Speak Out on Budget
Transit Funding Advances: The N.C. House this week voted twice by convincing margins (77-40, 75-40) to approve HB 148, "Congestion Relief / Intermodal Transport Fund", which would provide a critical public finance option for regional public transit systems. The bill, backed by environmental, municipal, and business groups alike, would permit counties to approve via public referenda a special 1/2 or 1/4 cent sales tax exclusively for the funding of public transit systems. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Mountaintop Protection Stalls: Legislation to protect threatened mountain environments in coal-producing states didn't fare as well. HB 340, "Appalachian Mountains Preservation Act", was heard in the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee this week. Power company representatives made dire and controversial predictions of coal shortages and electric price hikes if legislators approved this bill to bar North Carolina power plants from burning coal obtained by the environmentally devastating process of "mountaintop removal" strip mining. Facing likely defeat in committee, bill sponsors pulled back from a vote. Principal sponsor Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford) indicated that she would instead circulate a letter for concerned state legislators to sign in support of federal action to end the controversial practice altogether.
Beach Bummer Up Next: SB 832, "CRC May Permit Terminal Groin"—which CIB non-fondly calls the Beach Bummer Bill—is slated to be heard next week in the Senate Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee. If approved, this terrible bill would rip a gaping hole in North Carolina's long-standing policies protecting our beaches and barrier islands. A host of leading coastal scientists have condemned these "terminal groins" as costly known failures, which temporarily retain sand in one spot at the expense of accelerating erosion elsewhere on the beaches. CCNC lobbyist Dan Crawford calls the bill "worse than ever" and encourages CCNC members and friends to call their Senators in opposition to SB 832.
Speak Out on Budget: Also next week, there will be important opportunities around the state to speak out for funding for pollution control enforcement, environmental education, and critical land conservation funds. On Tuesday, April 28, from 6-9 p.m., the N.C. House Appropriations Committee will hold a public hearing to receive public comments on this year's state budget. The in-person hearing will take place in Raleigh, in the auditorium of the N.C. Museum of History on Fayetteville Street. Ten community colleges around the state will host simultaneous live interactive broadcasts of the hearing in Charlotte, Dobson, Dublin, Fayetteville, Grantsboro, Henderson, Smithfield, Sylva, Williamston, and Winston-Salem. Speakers will be allowed up to three minutes for comments. Rules for speaking during the event, submitting written comments, and accessing the online broadcast are available at www.ncleg.net/sessions/2009/budget/2009/BudgetPublicHearing.html.
Coast Watch: Offshore Drilling Hearing April 27, Climate Change & the Coast May 19
Two important opportunities to address key issues for our coast are coming up soon.
This Monday, April 27, the state legislative task force on offshore drilling will hold a public hearing in Morehead City at Carteret Community College from 4-6 p.m. Public comments of two to five minutes (depending on turnout) will be heard. Coastal advocates say that the oil industry and its backers will have the "drill now" crowd bussed out in force, so it's important for the voices of environmental reason and long-term economic prosperity for our coast (fisheries and tourism) to be well-represented too. For more details, go to http://www.nccoast.org/Advocacy/2009actionalerts/offshoreoilAA.
On Tuesday, May 19, CCNC and other citizen conservation groups will host an educational event on Climate Change & the Coast, at the N.C. Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill from 7-9 p.m. Speakers will include Dr. Stan Riggs, Distinguished Research Professor, East Carolina University, and former Secretaries of the N.C. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources. Due to limited space, advance registration is required, at http://action.sierraclub.org/site/PageNavigator/Sign_Up_Coastal_Evening
Washington Watch: EPA Climate Action a "Game-Changer"
The U.S. EPA late last week announced its formal conclusion that human emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases now "endanger human health and welfare." That's the formal trigger required by a key 2007 U.S. Supreme Court decision applying the federal Clean Air Act, which now launches the formal rulemaking process for regulating those emissions.
The availability of this regulatory process helps level the national policy playing field, choking off the threat by opponents in the Senate to block climate change action by filibuster. President Obama, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, and Congressional supporters all say that legislation to address the issue is preferable. However, the clock is now ticking on alternative regulatory action if Congress fails to act in a timely manner.
A leading Congressional supporter of action on climate change, Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), calls the EPA decision a "game changer" in the global warming policy debate. "It changes the playing field with respect to legislation," said Markey. "It's now no longer doing a bill or doing nothing. It is now a choice between regulation and legislation."
David Doniger, climate-policy director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, agreed. Doniger told reporters, "This has enormous legal significance. It is the first time the federal government has said officially that the science is real, the danger is real and in this case that pollution from cars contributes to it." (Associated Press, 4/18/09.)
Education & Resources: EPA Report Says Climate Change Will Increase Regional Ozone Pollution
Speaking of federal pronouncements on climate change, here's another wake-up call just released by EPA's Global Climate Change Research Program. The newly-released report concludes that continued climate change is likely to produce significant increases in summer air pollution caused by ozone in several major U.S. regions. Most of the study's modeling scenarios show North Carolina, especially Piedmont North Carolina, being especially hard hit by the resulting air pollution increases.
The entire report, titled "Assessment of the Impacts of Global Change on Regional U.S. Air Quality: A Synthesis of Climate Change Impacts on Ground-Level Ozone", including appendices, can be accessed at http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/cfm/recordisplay.cfm?deid=203459.
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, cib@conservationcouncilnc.org
April 24, 2009
Environmental action has heated up in Raleigh, with opportunities to speak up on funding priorities and coastal issues coming soon, plus national news on climate change, this week in CIB:
--Legislative Watch: Transit Funding Advances; Mountaintop Protection Stalls; Beach Bummer Up Next; Speak Out On Budget
--Coast Watch: Offshore Drilling Hearing April 27, Climate Change & the Coast May 19
--Washington Watch: EPA Climate Action a "Game-Changer"
--Education & Resources: EPA Report Says Climate Change Will Increase Regional Ozone Pollution
Legislative Watch: Transit Funding Advances; Mountaintop Protection Stalls; Beach Bummer Up Next; Speak Out on Budget
Transit Funding Advances: The N.C. House this week voted twice by convincing margins (77-40, 75-40) to approve HB 148, "Congestion Relief / Intermodal Transport Fund", which would provide a critical public finance option for regional public transit systems. The bill, backed by environmental, municipal, and business groups alike, would permit counties to approve via public referenda a special 1/2 or 1/4 cent sales tax exclusively for the funding of public transit systems. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Mountaintop Protection Stalls: Legislation to protect threatened mountain environments in coal-producing states didn't fare as well. HB 340, "Appalachian Mountains Preservation Act", was heard in the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee this week. Power company representatives made dire and controversial predictions of coal shortages and electric price hikes if legislators approved this bill to bar North Carolina power plants from burning coal obtained by the environmentally devastating process of "mountaintop removal" strip mining. Facing likely defeat in committee, bill sponsors pulled back from a vote. Principal sponsor Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford) indicated that she would instead circulate a letter for concerned state legislators to sign in support of federal action to end the controversial practice altogether.
Beach Bummer Up Next: SB 832, "CRC May Permit Terminal Groin"—which CIB non-fondly calls the Beach Bummer Bill—is slated to be heard next week in the Senate Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee. If approved, this terrible bill would rip a gaping hole in North Carolina's long-standing policies protecting our beaches and barrier islands. A host of leading coastal scientists have condemned these "terminal groins" as costly known failures, which temporarily retain sand in one spot at the expense of accelerating erosion elsewhere on the beaches. CCNC lobbyist Dan Crawford calls the bill "worse than ever" and encourages CCNC members and friends to call their Senators in opposition to SB 832.
Speak Out on Budget: Also next week, there will be important opportunities around the state to speak out for funding for pollution control enforcement, environmental education, and critical land conservation funds. On Tuesday, April 28, from 6-9 p.m., the N.C. House Appropriations Committee will hold a public hearing to receive public comments on this year's state budget. The in-person hearing will take place in Raleigh, in the auditorium of the N.C. Museum of History on Fayetteville Street. Ten community colleges around the state will host simultaneous live interactive broadcasts of the hearing in Charlotte, Dobson, Dublin, Fayetteville, Grantsboro, Henderson, Smithfield, Sylva, Williamston, and Winston-Salem. Speakers will be allowed up to three minutes for comments. Rules for speaking during the event, submitting written comments, and accessing the online broadcast are available at www.ncleg.net/sessions/2009/budget/2009/BudgetPublicHearing.html.
Coast Watch: Offshore Drilling Hearing April 27, Climate Change & the Coast May 19
Two important opportunities to address key issues for our coast are coming up soon.
This Monday, April 27, the state legislative task force on offshore drilling will hold a public hearing in Morehead City at Carteret Community College from 4-6 p.m. Public comments of two to five minutes (depending on turnout) will be heard. Coastal advocates say that the oil industry and its backers will have the "drill now" crowd bussed out in force, so it's important for the voices of environmental reason and long-term economic prosperity for our coast (fisheries and tourism) to be well-represented too. For more details, go to http://www.nccoast.org/Advocacy/2009actionalerts/offshoreoilAA.
On Tuesday, May 19, CCNC and other citizen conservation groups will host an educational event on Climate Change & the Coast, at the N.C. Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill from 7-9 p.m. Speakers will include Dr. Stan Riggs, Distinguished Research Professor, East Carolina University, and former Secretaries of the N.C. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources. Due to limited space, advance registration is required, at http://action.sierraclub.org/site/PageNavigator/Sign_Up_Coastal_Evening
Washington Watch: EPA Climate Action a "Game-Changer"
The U.S. EPA late last week announced its formal conclusion that human emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases now "endanger human health and welfare." That's the formal trigger required by a key 2007 U.S. Supreme Court decision applying the federal Clean Air Act, which now launches the formal rulemaking process for regulating those emissions.
The availability of this regulatory process helps level the national policy playing field, choking off the threat by opponents in the Senate to block climate change action by filibuster. President Obama, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, and Congressional supporters all say that legislation to address the issue is preferable. However, the clock is now ticking on alternative regulatory action if Congress fails to act in a timely manner.
A leading Congressional supporter of action on climate change, Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), calls the EPA decision a "game changer" in the global warming policy debate. "It changes the playing field with respect to legislation," said Markey. "It's now no longer doing a bill or doing nothing. It is now a choice between regulation and legislation."
David Doniger, climate-policy director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, agreed. Doniger told reporters, "This has enormous legal significance. It is the first time the federal government has said officially that the science is real, the danger is real and in this case that pollution from cars contributes to it." (Associated Press, 4/18/09.)
Education & Resources: EPA Report Says Climate Change Will Increase Regional Ozone Pollution
Speaking of federal pronouncements on climate change, here's another wake-up call just released by EPA's Global Climate Change Research Program. The newly-released report concludes that continued climate change is likely to produce significant increases in summer air pollution caused by ozone in several major U.S. regions. Most of the study's modeling scenarios show North Carolina, especially Piedmont North Carolina, being especially hard hit by the resulting air pollution increases.
The entire report, titled "Assessment of the Impacts of Global Change on Regional U.S. Air Quality: A Synthesis of Climate Change Impacts on Ground-Level Ozone", including appendices, can be accessed at http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/cfm/recordisplay.cfm?deid=203459.
12/02/2008
Job Opening with Conservation Council of NC
GLOBAL WARMING PROJECT COORDINATOR
The Conservation Council of North Carolina (CCNC) seeks an experienced organizer to serve as the full-time Project Coordinator for their joint partnership with the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund Global Warming Project.
In 2007, LCVEF, in partnership with state partners, launched a major campaign to elevate global warming in the 2008 presidential primaries. The Heat Is On campaign (www.heatison.org) was active in the early-voting states for more than a year. In 2008-2009, LCVEF & CCNC plan to work to make global warming a top priority for citizens, and particularly for North Carolina’s congressional delegation.
The Project Coordinator will oversee the day-to-day planning and implementation of our program.
The Project Coordinator will work closely with CCNC’s staff and coalition partners to coordinate state-level activities, conduct outreach to opinion leaders, generate earned media, and engage voters and the congressional delegation about the urgency and importance of global warming.
Responsibilities:
• Work with CCNC staff and LCVEF staff to develop and implement a year-long plan to elevate global warming as a top-tier priority in North Carolina
• Work with coalition partners to coordinate outreach and organizing efforts
• Meet with opinion leaders (reporters, editorial boards, state elected officials, donors, etc.) to engage them on the threats and opportunities associated with climate change
• Conduct outreach to non-traditional allies concerned about global warming
Qualifications:
The ideal candidates will have a college degree and several years experience in organizing and advocacy. Skills should include:
• Strong communication skills including public speaking and advocacy writing
• Strong networking skills
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced campaign environment
• Familiarity with the issue of global warming an asset
• Strong leadership skills to build and maintain a team
• Basic computer skills
Position:
The Project Coordinator is a full-time position starting January and running through 2009. The position will be based in Raleigh, NC.
Interested Applicants: Please submit a letter of interest and resume to:
ccnc@conservationcouncilnc.org with the subject heading: NC Project Coordinator
Deadline: Applications will be accepted through December 12th, 2008
http://www.conservationcouncilnc.org
http://www.heatison.org
Conservation Council of North Carolina is an equal opportunity employer
The Conservation Council of North Carolina (CCNC) seeks an experienced organizer to serve as the full-time Project Coordinator for their joint partnership with the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund Global Warming Project.
In 2007, LCVEF, in partnership with state partners, launched a major campaign to elevate global warming in the 2008 presidential primaries. The Heat Is On campaign (www.heatison.org) was active in the early-voting states for more than a year. In 2008-2009, LCVEF & CCNC plan to work to make global warming a top priority for citizens, and particularly for North Carolina’s congressional delegation.
The Project Coordinator will oversee the day-to-day planning and implementation of our program.
The Project Coordinator will work closely with CCNC’s staff and coalition partners to coordinate state-level activities, conduct outreach to opinion leaders, generate earned media, and engage voters and the congressional delegation about the urgency and importance of global warming.
Responsibilities:
• Work with CCNC staff and LCVEF staff to develop and implement a year-long plan to elevate global warming as a top-tier priority in North Carolina
• Work with coalition partners to coordinate outreach and organizing efforts
• Meet with opinion leaders (reporters, editorial boards, state elected officials, donors, etc.) to engage them on the threats and opportunities associated with climate change
• Conduct outreach to non-traditional allies concerned about global warming
Qualifications:
The ideal candidates will have a college degree and several years experience in organizing and advocacy. Skills should include:
• Strong communication skills including public speaking and advocacy writing
• Strong networking skills
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced campaign environment
• Familiarity with the issue of global warming an asset
• Strong leadership skills to build and maintain a team
• Basic computer skills
Position:
The Project Coordinator is a full-time position starting January and running through 2009. The position will be based in Raleigh, NC.
Interested Applicants: Please submit a letter of interest and resume to:
ccnc@conservationcouncilnc.org with the subject heading: NC Project Coordinator
Deadline: Applications will be accepted through December 12th, 2008
http://www.conservationcouncilnc.org
http://www.heatison.org
Conservation Council of North Carolina is an equal opportunity employer
10/13/2008
Public Hearing, Air Pollution Deregulation, Oct. 28
NC Environmental Management Commission Public Hearing
October 28, 2008 7:00 PM
NC Division of Air Quality
Parker-Lincoln Building, Room AQ-526
2728 Capital Blvd.
Raleigh, NC 27604
AIR POLLUTION DEREGULATION: A GIANT STEP BACKWARD
We the people have a growing understanding of the dangers of deregulation—irresponsible, negligent deregulation. Now here comes the North Carolina Division of Air Quality with a proposal to deregulate more than 1,400 big air pollution sources. And they are using sleight-of-hand tricks to mask the harm.
On Tuesday October 28th in Raleigh the NC Environmental Management Commission will hear comments on this proposal to gut the health-based standards which have been in effect for decades. If adopted, the exemption would remove forever the requirement that industrial boilers limit air poisons at the property boundary. These boilers include coal-fired power plants, asphalt plants, paper mills and more. The poisons which these plants would never have to limit include arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide and more than a hundred others.
DAQ has added insult to potential injury by justifying the boiler exemption with a large human exposure study. The fatal flaw in the study is the use of an EPA computer model which measures inhalation only. For nearly twenty years the hardworking Science Advisory Board has conducted detailed analyses of air poisons to create the existing toxic air pollutant rules. The SAB sets specific limits for each toxin based on human exposure through every pollution pathway: water, soil and ingestion as well as inhalation. Toxic compounds deposited on soil, plants and water may be metabolized by microorganisms and ingested by fish, other animals and humans. Fat-soluble bio-accumulative substances concentrate in dairy products.
I repeat: the Human Exposure Model estimates risk from inhalation only. It cannot capture the health risks posed by, for example, formaldehyde, which is water soluble. The HEM under-reports the health impacts of dioxin—the world’s most dangerous poison. People living near smokestacks must be protected from the ingestion of dioxin.
The state’s study tells only a piece of the truth, the effect of which is a lie. The lie is that these industrial boilers are safe.
The question is obvious: why would anyone propose this exemption at all? The answer is also obvious: coal plants, asphalt plants, paper mills and others cannot now meet the pollution limits. We say if they can not meet these health-protective standards, the companies need to add pollution controls.
Moreover, the DAQ’s cost-benefit analysis which underlies the economic hardship loophole fails to take into account the costs to families of emergency room visits, missed work and school, health insurance, medicines and equipment, and chronic conditions.
We community organizers know that the people must lead. League members and concerned North Carolinians are going to Raleigh on October 28th to stand up for health-protective pollution limits and to say No to this dangerous deregulation.
Janet Marsh
Executive Director, Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League
BREDL@skybest.com
The NC DAQ is located at Exit 11 on I-440, the Raleigh Beltline.
Complete directions are posted at
http://daq.state.nc.us/motor/ms_grants/direct.shtml
October 28, 2008 7:00 PM
NC Division of Air Quality
Parker-Lincoln Building, Room AQ-526
2728 Capital Blvd.
Raleigh, NC 27604
AIR POLLUTION DEREGULATION: A GIANT STEP BACKWARD
We the people have a growing understanding of the dangers of deregulation—irresponsible, negligent deregulation. Now here comes the North Carolina Division of Air Quality with a proposal to deregulate more than 1,400 big air pollution sources. And they are using sleight-of-hand tricks to mask the harm.
On Tuesday October 28th in Raleigh the NC Environmental Management Commission will hear comments on this proposal to gut the health-based standards which have been in effect for decades. If adopted, the exemption would remove forever the requirement that industrial boilers limit air poisons at the property boundary. These boilers include coal-fired power plants, asphalt plants, paper mills and more. The poisons which these plants would never have to limit include arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide and more than a hundred others.
DAQ has added insult to potential injury by justifying the boiler exemption with a large human exposure study. The fatal flaw in the study is the use of an EPA computer model which measures inhalation only. For nearly twenty years the hardworking Science Advisory Board has conducted detailed analyses of air poisons to create the existing toxic air pollutant rules. The SAB sets specific limits for each toxin based on human exposure through every pollution pathway: water, soil and ingestion as well as inhalation. Toxic compounds deposited on soil, plants and water may be metabolized by microorganisms and ingested by fish, other animals and humans. Fat-soluble bio-accumulative substances concentrate in dairy products.
I repeat: the Human Exposure Model estimates risk from inhalation only. It cannot capture the health risks posed by, for example, formaldehyde, which is water soluble. The HEM under-reports the health impacts of dioxin—the world’s most dangerous poison. People living near smokestacks must be protected from the ingestion of dioxin.
The state’s study tells only a piece of the truth, the effect of which is a lie. The lie is that these industrial boilers are safe.
The question is obvious: why would anyone propose this exemption at all? The answer is also obvious: coal plants, asphalt plants, paper mills and others cannot now meet the pollution limits. We say if they can not meet these health-protective standards, the companies need to add pollution controls.
Moreover, the DAQ’s cost-benefit analysis which underlies the economic hardship loophole fails to take into account the costs to families of emergency room visits, missed work and school, health insurance, medicines and equipment, and chronic conditions.
We community organizers know that the people must lead. League members and concerned North Carolinians are going to Raleigh on October 28th to stand up for health-protective pollution limits and to say No to this dangerous deregulation.
Janet Marsh
Executive Director, Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League
BREDL@skybest.com
The NC DAQ is located at Exit 11 on I-440, the Raleigh Beltline.
Complete directions are posted at
http://daq.state.nc.us/motor/ms_grants/direct.shtml
9/13/2008
Conservation Insider Bulletin, Sept 12
Conservation Council of NC Endorsements: Here it is—CCNC's comprehensive November endorsement slate! Included are 48 N.C. House candidates, 22 N.C. Senate candidates, and three Council of State candidates. The slate includes Republicans and Democrats, incumbents and challengers. Endorsement decisions are made by the CCNC Board of Directors upon recommendation of the Conservation PAC board. Factors taken into account include the voting and leadership record of incumbents, issue questionnaire responses, recommendations from local environmental leaders, and candidates' interest in receiving the CCNC endorsement. Drumroll...the envelope please:
N.C. House:
Alice Underhill, District 3, (D-Craven)
Angela Bryant, District 7, (D-Nash)
Marian McLawhorn District 9, (D-Pitt)
William Wainwright, District 12, (D-Craven)
Barbara Garrity-Blake, District 13, (D-Carteret)
Robert Grady, District 15, (R-Onslow)
Carolyn Justice, District 16, (R-Pender)
Danny McComas, District 19, (R-New Hanover)
Joe Tolson, District 23, (D-Wilson)
Jean Farmer-Butterfield, District 24, (D-Wilson)
Larry Hall, District 29, (D-Durham)
Paul Luebke, District 30, (D-Durham)
Mickey Michaux, District 31, (D-Durham)
Dan Blue, District 33, (D-Wake)
Grier Martin, District 34, (D-Wake)
Jennifer Weiss, District 35, (D-Wake)
Al Swanstrom, District 36, (D-Wake)
Ed Ridpath, District 37, (D-Wake)
Deborah Ross, District 38, (D-Wake)
Linda Coleman, District 39 (D-Wake)
Ty Harrell, District 41, (D-Wake)
Margaret Dickson, District 44, (D-Cumberland)
Rick Glazier, District 45, (D-Cumberland)
Lucy Allen, District 49, (D-Franklin)
Jimmy Love, District 51, (D-Lee)
Joe Hackney, District 54, (D-Orange)
Verla Insko, District 56, (D-Orange)
Pricey Harrison, District 57, (D-Guilford)
Alma Adams, District 58 (D-Guilford)
Maggie Jeffus, District 59, (D-Guilford)
Earl Jones, District 60, (D-Guilford)
Alice Bordsen, District 63, (D-Alamance)
Melanie Goodwin, District 66, (D-Richmond)
Larry Womble, District 71, (D-Forsyth)
Larry Brown, District 73, (R-Forsyth)
Bill McGee, District 75, (R-Forsyth)
Julia Howard, District 79, (R-Iredell)
Jim Harrell, District 90, (D-Alleghany)
Cullie Tarleton, District 93, (D-Watauga)
Tricia Cotham, District 100 (D-Mecklenburg)
Becky Carney, District 102 (D-Mecklenburg)
Ruth Samuelson, District 104 (R-Mecklenburg)
Martha Alexander, District 106 (D-Mecklenburg)
Bob England, District 112, (D-Rutherford)
Susan Fisher, District 114, (D-Buncombe)
Jane Whilden, District 116, (D-Buncombe)
Ray Rapp, District 118, (D-Madison)
Phil Haire, District 119, (D-Jackson)
N.C. Senate:
Marc Basnight, District 1 (D-Dare)
Don Davis, District 5 (D-Greene)
Doug Berger, District 7 (D-Franklin)
Charlie Albertson, District, (D-Duplin)
Neal Hunt, District 15, (R-Wake)
Josh Stein, District 16, (D-Wake)
Bob Atwater, District 18, (D-Chatham)
Tony Rand, District 19, (D-Cumberland)
Ellie Kinnaird, District 23, (D-Orange)
Tony Foriest, District 24, (D-Caswell)
Bill Purcell, District 25, (D-Scotland)
Katie Dorsett, District 28, (D-Guilford)
Linda Garrou, District 32, (D-Forysth)
Stan Bingham, District 33, (D-Davidson)
Fletcher Hartsell, District 36, (D-Cabarrus)
Dan Clodfelter, District 37, (D-Mecklenburg)
Malcolm Graham, District 40, (D-Mecklenburg)
Austin Allran, District 42, (R-Catawba)
Steve Goss, District 45, (D-Watauga)
Joe Sam Queen, District 47, (D-Haywood)
Martin Nesbitt, District 49, (D-Buncombe)
John Snow, District 50, (D-Cherokee)
Council of State:
Beverly Perdue, Governor
Roy Cooper, Attorney General
Janet Cowell, Treasurer
Between now and November, CIB will return to certain key endorsements for more detailed review.
Carter Attacked for Green Stance: CIB has previously noted U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx's (R-NC5) enthusiasm for the drill-everywhere-now campaign of the OilHeads leading her November ticket. This week, we observe that she is fundraising on the issue with email blasts attacking her opponent (Roy Carter) for his more moderate stance. Foxx rails against the "liberal Democrat Congress" and warns that her opponent is running TV ads against her, saying, "He is a radical environmentalist named Roy Carter who has criticized my support of the "all of the above" energy plan. He is already toeing the liberal Democrat party's line by opposing drilling in America's vast oil resources in Alaska and offshore." Of course, with a sorry 10% rating on the national League of Conservation Voters (LCV) scorecard for all of the last three years, one doesn't have to be out of the American mainstream to qualify as a "radical environmentalist" on the Foxx scale. In fact, we'd worry about a candidate that she doesn't attack on that score.
(CIB Editor's Note: CCNC does not make endorsements in federal contests. Opinions expressed regarding candidates in those races are those of the Editor only, except as noted when reporting endorsements or comments from other parties.)
Coast Watch: Hatteras Settlement Upheld
When is a judicial "consent decree" not a consensus? When one side takes the issue to Congress. Local off-road vehicle fans in Dare County are trying to get Congress to overturn a federal District Court order setting out times and limits on beach driving along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Conservationists and the National Park Service (NPS) are defending the order.
This spring, U.S. District Court Judge Terrence Boyle issued an order (by consent agreement of the parties) to restrict beach driving in the national park, in order to protect wildlife that use the beach for nesting. Birds and sea turtles using the beach include several endangered species. The NPS reports that survival rates of one endangered bird are already up.
Disgruntled off-roaders, supported by the Dare County Commission, went to Congress, where U.S. Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) introduced legislation to dump the limits. This week, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted down the bill by the narrowest of margins, 11-12. It was a party-line vote with the Democrats siding with conservationists and wildlife and the Republicans voting against them and for the off-road drivers. (Raleigh News & Observer, 9/11/08.)
CIB suspects that Teddy Roosevelt is spinning in his grave. Dole and Burr should watch out for a night-time visitation from the ghost of the original Rough Rider.
Administrative Watch: Moreau Steps Down at EMC
To the sorrow of many conservationists, long-time N.C. Environmental Management Commission (EMC) chair Dave Moreau announced last week that he intends to step down as commission chair. Moreau was appointed to the post by Gov. Jim Hunt in 1993 and has served in the role since that time through the administrations of Hunt and current Gov. Mike Easley. That's a total of 15 years, including two full six-year terms and the first three years of a third.
In a letter to Easley dated September 2, Moreau indicated that he was available to serve until Easley or his successor named a new chair. Moreau's current term as an EMC member does not expire until 2011. The appointment as chair of the EMC is made separately and lasts at the pleasure of the governor.
Moreau is a scientist and former head of the planning school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as the N.C. Water Resources Research Institute based at N.C. State University. He has led the EMC through intense controversies over both air and water quality issues, including wetlands rules, nitrogen oxides limits, mercury restrictions, riparian buffer rules, drinking water reservoir cleanup plans, and stormwater management controls. He does not always side with environmental advocates, but is broadly respected among the environmental community for his expertise and open approach.
Molly Diggins, state director of the Sierra Club, called Moreau's retirement the "end of an era".
N.C. House:
Alice Underhill, District 3, (D-Craven)
Angela Bryant, District 7, (D-Nash)
Marian McLawhorn District 9, (D-Pitt)
William Wainwright, District 12, (D-Craven)
Barbara Garrity-Blake, District 13, (D-Carteret)
Robert Grady, District 15, (R-Onslow)
Carolyn Justice, District 16, (R-Pender)
Danny McComas, District 19, (R-New Hanover)
Joe Tolson, District 23, (D-Wilson)
Jean Farmer-Butterfield, District 24, (D-Wilson)
Larry Hall, District 29, (D-Durham)
Paul Luebke, District 30, (D-Durham)
Mickey Michaux, District 31, (D-Durham)
Dan Blue, District 33, (D-Wake)
Grier Martin, District 34, (D-Wake)
Jennifer Weiss, District 35, (D-Wake)
Al Swanstrom, District 36, (D-Wake)
Ed Ridpath, District 37, (D-Wake)
Deborah Ross, District 38, (D-Wake)
Linda Coleman, District 39 (D-Wake)
Ty Harrell, District 41, (D-Wake)
Margaret Dickson, District 44, (D-Cumberland)
Rick Glazier, District 45, (D-Cumberland)
Lucy Allen, District 49, (D-Franklin)
Jimmy Love, District 51, (D-Lee)
Joe Hackney, District 54, (D-Orange)
Verla Insko, District 56, (D-Orange)
Pricey Harrison, District 57, (D-Guilford)
Alma Adams, District 58 (D-Guilford)
Maggie Jeffus, District 59, (D-Guilford)
Earl Jones, District 60, (D-Guilford)
Alice Bordsen, District 63, (D-Alamance)
Melanie Goodwin, District 66, (D-Richmond)
Larry Womble, District 71, (D-Forsyth)
Larry Brown, District 73, (R-Forsyth)
Bill McGee, District 75, (R-Forsyth)
Julia Howard, District 79, (R-Iredell)
Jim Harrell, District 90, (D-Alleghany)
Cullie Tarleton, District 93, (D-Watauga)
Tricia Cotham, District 100 (D-Mecklenburg)
Becky Carney, District 102 (D-Mecklenburg)
Ruth Samuelson, District 104 (R-Mecklenburg)
Martha Alexander, District 106 (D-Mecklenburg)
Bob England, District 112, (D-Rutherford)
Susan Fisher, District 114, (D-Buncombe)
Jane Whilden, District 116, (D-Buncombe)
Ray Rapp, District 118, (D-Madison)
Phil Haire, District 119, (D-Jackson)
N.C. Senate:
Marc Basnight, District 1 (D-Dare)
Don Davis, District 5 (D-Greene)
Doug Berger, District 7 (D-Franklin)
Charlie Albertson, District, (D-Duplin)
Neal Hunt, District 15, (R-Wake)
Josh Stein, District 16, (D-Wake)
Bob Atwater, District 18, (D-Chatham)
Tony Rand, District 19, (D-Cumberland)
Ellie Kinnaird, District 23, (D-Orange)
Tony Foriest, District 24, (D-Caswell)
Bill Purcell, District 25, (D-Scotland)
Katie Dorsett, District 28, (D-Guilford)
Linda Garrou, District 32, (D-Forysth)
Stan Bingham, District 33, (D-Davidson)
Fletcher Hartsell, District 36, (D-Cabarrus)
Dan Clodfelter, District 37, (D-Mecklenburg)
Malcolm Graham, District 40, (D-Mecklenburg)
Austin Allran, District 42, (R-Catawba)
Steve Goss, District 45, (D-Watauga)
Joe Sam Queen, District 47, (D-Haywood)
Martin Nesbitt, District 49, (D-Buncombe)
John Snow, District 50, (D-Cherokee)
Council of State:
Beverly Perdue, Governor
Roy Cooper, Attorney General
Janet Cowell, Treasurer
Between now and November, CIB will return to certain key endorsements for more detailed review.
Carter Attacked for Green Stance: CIB has previously noted U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx's (R-NC5) enthusiasm for the drill-everywhere-now campaign of the OilHeads leading her November ticket. This week, we observe that she is fundraising on the issue with email blasts attacking her opponent (Roy Carter) for his more moderate stance. Foxx rails against the "liberal Democrat Congress" and warns that her opponent is running TV ads against her, saying, "He is a radical environmentalist named Roy Carter who has criticized my support of the "all of the above" energy plan. He is already toeing the liberal Democrat party's line by opposing drilling in America's vast oil resources in Alaska and offshore." Of course, with a sorry 10% rating on the national League of Conservation Voters (LCV) scorecard for all of the last three years, one doesn't have to be out of the American mainstream to qualify as a "radical environmentalist" on the Foxx scale. In fact, we'd worry about a candidate that she doesn't attack on that score.
(CIB Editor's Note: CCNC does not make endorsements in federal contests. Opinions expressed regarding candidates in those races are those of the Editor only, except as noted when reporting endorsements or comments from other parties.)
Coast Watch: Hatteras Settlement Upheld
When is a judicial "consent decree" not a consensus? When one side takes the issue to Congress. Local off-road vehicle fans in Dare County are trying to get Congress to overturn a federal District Court order setting out times and limits on beach driving along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Conservationists and the National Park Service (NPS) are defending the order.
This spring, U.S. District Court Judge Terrence Boyle issued an order (by consent agreement of the parties) to restrict beach driving in the national park, in order to protect wildlife that use the beach for nesting. Birds and sea turtles using the beach include several endangered species. The NPS reports that survival rates of one endangered bird are already up.
Disgruntled off-roaders, supported by the Dare County Commission, went to Congress, where U.S. Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) introduced legislation to dump the limits. This week, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted down the bill by the narrowest of margins, 11-12. It was a party-line vote with the Democrats siding with conservationists and wildlife and the Republicans voting against them and for the off-road drivers. (Raleigh News & Observer, 9/11/08.)
CIB suspects that Teddy Roosevelt is spinning in his grave. Dole and Burr should watch out for a night-time visitation from the ghost of the original Rough Rider.
Administrative Watch: Moreau Steps Down at EMC
To the sorrow of many conservationists, long-time N.C. Environmental Management Commission (EMC) chair Dave Moreau announced last week that he intends to step down as commission chair. Moreau was appointed to the post by Gov. Jim Hunt in 1993 and has served in the role since that time through the administrations of Hunt and current Gov. Mike Easley. That's a total of 15 years, including two full six-year terms and the first three years of a third.
In a letter to Easley dated September 2, Moreau indicated that he was available to serve until Easley or his successor named a new chair. Moreau's current term as an EMC member does not expire until 2011. The appointment as chair of the EMC is made separately and lasts at the pleasure of the governor.
Moreau is a scientist and former head of the planning school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as the N.C. Water Resources Research Institute based at N.C. State University. He has led the EMC through intense controversies over both air and water quality issues, including wetlands rules, nitrogen oxides limits, mercury restrictions, riparian buffer rules, drinking water reservoir cleanup plans, and stormwater management controls. He does not always side with environmental advocates, but is broadly respected among the environmental community for his expertise and open approach.
Molly Diggins, state director of the Sierra Club, called Moreau's retirement the "end of an era".
7/11/2008
Conservation Insider Bulletin, July 11
Conservation Insider Bulletin
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, cib@conservationcouncilnc.org
July 11, 2008
Bush punts greenhouse gas regulation over to the next administration, plus legislative and judicial news, this week in CIB:
--Washington Watch: No Responsibility on His Watch
--Legislative Watch: Watered-down Drought and Stormwater Bills Advance; Farmworker Protection Approved; Beach Hardening Continues to Lurk
--Judicial Watch: Appeals Court Throws Out CAIR
Washington Watch: No Responsibility on His Watch
In another stunning display of arrogant irresponsibility, the Bush White House has successfully forced a protesting EPA to stall off action on regulating greenhouse gases to the next administration. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson announced today that the agency would release its draft "advanced notice of proposed rulemaking" together with the explanations from higher Administration sources for its rejection of that draft.
This action is remarkable in that the U.S. Supreme Court declared in April 2007 that (contrary to the Bush Administration's assertions) the EPA has the authority and duty to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Pursuant to that directive, the EPA last December sent to the White House a report laying out the technical support for a draft rule, which concluded that greenhouse gas emissions clearly represent a threat to human welfare and further that it is economically justified to regulate them. The White House uber-bureaucrats charged with overseeing the EPA refused to receive the report, which languished in political limbo while other Administration officials prepared their rejection of its reasoning.
In plain language, what the Bush Administration has done is this: tell the Supreme Court that it doesn't like its decision, won't implement it, and by the time anybody can do anything about the refusal, they'll be gone. Here's a link to today's complete Washington Post story laying the matter out in more detail: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/11/AR2008071101703.html?hpid=topnews.
CIB encourages our readers to check it out: It's breathtaking...pun intended.
Legislative Watch: Watered-down Drought and Stormwater Bills Advance; Farmworker Protection Approved; Beach Hardening Continues to Lurk
Watered-down Drought and Stormwater Bills Advance: CCNC's Director of Governmental Relations Dan Crawford reports that stakeholder negotiations have produced a classic compromise on stormwater rules (i.e., a deal with which no one is happy). Under the compromise bill, which has passed the Senate and been recommended by the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, coastal stormwater rules would be strengthened from the status quo—but not by as much as the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) rules would have done. In the short run, CCNC is backing the compromise. In the longer run, Crawford says to state policy-makers, "We need to let them [the EMC] do their job!"
Drought management legislation has also been brought forward for consideration in compromised form. HB 2499, "Drought/Water Management Recommendations", would specify the governor's emergency powers during water shortages, and increase the authority of the N.C. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to impose restrictions on local water systems during drought. However, the compromise bill fails to include specific mandatory minimum water conservation measures, and is therefore viewed as a major "missed opportunity" by conservationists.
Farmworker Protection Approved: SB 847, "Prevent Agricultural Pesticide Exposure", has been approved by the legislature and sent to the governor for his signature. Toxic Free NC (formerly the Agricultural Resource Project) hailed the bill as a victory for farmworkers, who will gain explicit protection against retaliation for reporting pesticide safety problems. The bill also strengthens pesticide use record-keeping requirements by employers.
Beach Hardening Continues to Lurk: Rumors continue to circulate that some unspecified "compromise" approach may emerge late regarding SB 599, the so-called "Inlet Stabilization Pilot Program" bill. This legislation represents the latest attempt by a small group of wealthy beachfront property owners to carve out exceptions to North Carolina's anti-hardening policies on its ocean shore. The deceptively-named "pilot programs" authorized by the bill are the same old rock groins which have long been conclusively discredited as beach protection tools. These oceanfront hard structures act only to accumulate sand in front of one spot at the expense of down-current areas. Coastal conservationists vigorously oppose this legislation, which passed the Senate last year and has been held in the House since that time. By barring new oceanfront seawalls, groins, and jetties, North Carolina has protected much of its natural beach shoreline for more than 20 years. This is no time to retreat from that sound policy.
Judicial Watch: Appeals Court Throws Out CAIR
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit this week unanimously struck down the Bush EPA's Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR). CAIR is a controversial rule which requires 28 states (mostly Eastern states) to reduce air pollutant emissions which travel interstate and affect smog and soot levels elsewhere. Some environmental groups defended the EPA's approach, while others challenged it as too slow and overly reliant on a "cap and trade" pollutant-trading approach.
In its ruling, the Court found that the EPA had exceeded its authority, and ordered the entire rule scrapped. The practical impact of the Court's decision will be to delay final rulemaking on the subject matter until the next presidential administration. As of CIB press time today, most environmental groups' comments on the ruling were not available online, although some were reportedly calling for Congressional action in response. Several North Carolina-based groups had criticized CAIR in 2006 as insufficiently protective of North Carolina's air.
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, cib@conservationcouncilnc.org
July 11, 2008
Bush punts greenhouse gas regulation over to the next administration, plus legislative and judicial news, this week in CIB:
--Washington Watch: No Responsibility on His Watch
--Legislative Watch: Watered-down Drought and Stormwater Bills Advance; Farmworker Protection Approved; Beach Hardening Continues to Lurk
--Judicial Watch: Appeals Court Throws Out CAIR
Washington Watch: No Responsibility on His Watch
In another stunning display of arrogant irresponsibility, the Bush White House has successfully forced a protesting EPA to stall off action on regulating greenhouse gases to the next administration. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson announced today that the agency would release its draft "advanced notice of proposed rulemaking" together with the explanations from higher Administration sources for its rejection of that draft.
This action is remarkable in that the U.S. Supreme Court declared in April 2007 that (contrary to the Bush Administration's assertions) the EPA has the authority and duty to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Pursuant to that directive, the EPA last December sent to the White House a report laying out the technical support for a draft rule, which concluded that greenhouse gas emissions clearly represent a threat to human welfare and further that it is economically justified to regulate them. The White House uber-bureaucrats charged with overseeing the EPA refused to receive the report, which languished in political limbo while other Administration officials prepared their rejection of its reasoning.
In plain language, what the Bush Administration has done is this: tell the Supreme Court that it doesn't like its decision, won't implement it, and by the time anybody can do anything about the refusal, they'll be gone. Here's a link to today's complete Washington Post story laying the matter out in more detail: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/11/AR2008071101703.html?hpid=topnews.
CIB encourages our readers to check it out: It's breathtaking...pun intended.
Legislative Watch: Watered-down Drought and Stormwater Bills Advance; Farmworker Protection Approved; Beach Hardening Continues to Lurk
Watered-down Drought and Stormwater Bills Advance: CCNC's Director of Governmental Relations Dan Crawford reports that stakeholder negotiations have produced a classic compromise on stormwater rules (i.e., a deal with which no one is happy). Under the compromise bill, which has passed the Senate and been recommended by the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, coastal stormwater rules would be strengthened from the status quo—but not by as much as the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) rules would have done. In the short run, CCNC is backing the compromise. In the longer run, Crawford says to state policy-makers, "We need to let them [the EMC] do their job!"
Drought management legislation has also been brought forward for consideration in compromised form. HB 2499, "Drought/Water Management Recommendations", would specify the governor's emergency powers during water shortages, and increase the authority of the N.C. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to impose restrictions on local water systems during drought. However, the compromise bill fails to include specific mandatory minimum water conservation measures, and is therefore viewed as a major "missed opportunity" by conservationists.
Farmworker Protection Approved: SB 847, "Prevent Agricultural Pesticide Exposure", has been approved by the legislature and sent to the governor for his signature. Toxic Free NC (formerly the Agricultural Resource Project) hailed the bill as a victory for farmworkers, who will gain explicit protection against retaliation for reporting pesticide safety problems. The bill also strengthens pesticide use record-keeping requirements by employers.
Beach Hardening Continues to Lurk: Rumors continue to circulate that some unspecified "compromise" approach may emerge late regarding SB 599, the so-called "Inlet Stabilization Pilot Program" bill. This legislation represents the latest attempt by a small group of wealthy beachfront property owners to carve out exceptions to North Carolina's anti-hardening policies on its ocean shore. The deceptively-named "pilot programs" authorized by the bill are the same old rock groins which have long been conclusively discredited as beach protection tools. These oceanfront hard structures act only to accumulate sand in front of one spot at the expense of down-current areas. Coastal conservationists vigorously oppose this legislation, which passed the Senate last year and has been held in the House since that time. By barring new oceanfront seawalls, groins, and jetties, North Carolina has protected much of its natural beach shoreline for more than 20 years. This is no time to retreat from that sound policy.
Judicial Watch: Appeals Court Throws Out CAIR
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit this week unanimously struck down the Bush EPA's Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR). CAIR is a controversial rule which requires 28 states (mostly Eastern states) to reduce air pollutant emissions which travel interstate and affect smog and soot levels elsewhere. Some environmental groups defended the EPA's approach, while others challenged it as too slow and overly reliant on a "cap and trade" pollutant-trading approach.
In its ruling, the Court found that the EPA had exceeded its authority, and ordered the entire rule scrapped. The practical impact of the Court's decision will be to delay final rulemaking on the subject matter until the next presidential administration. As of CIB press time today, most environmental groups' comments on the ruling were not available online, although some were reportedly calling for Congressional action in response. Several North Carolina-based groups had criticized CAIR in 2006 as insufficiently protective of North Carolina's air.
NC Legislative Update from CCNC
Drought and Stormwater Meet the House and Senate
Support Drought Legislation. On Tuesday, the House Environment and Natural Resources Commission approved HB 2499, Drought/Water Management Recommendations. The bill now will be considered by the full House. This bill is a significant step forward for the State, specifying the governor’s emergency powers during water shortages and increasing the authority of state officials to impose restrictions on local water system during the increasing stages of drought.
The bill presented to the Committee was quickly criticized by legislators and environmental organizations because it failed to set uniform minimum conservation measures or set water-savings goals for counties across the state. Previous bill drafts had proposed such uniform conservation measures for all systems that required reduced water use by 10% and then 20% under the two worst levels of drought. But, opposition to such uniform measures quickly mounted and shamefully the mandatory minimum measures went by the wayside.
Local governments had already been charged with filing water shortage response plans with the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) by the start of this month; however, prior to this session’s proposed legislation, no standards existed that these water shortage response plans had to meet. Section 5 of HB 2499 directs DENR to approve the local government or water system’s plan if it meets just three criteria, the two most descriptive criteria being that: the plan should includes a tiered level of water conservation measures or other response actions; and that each tier of water conservation measures should be based on increased severity of drought/water shortage that would lead to stricter water conservation measures. At Tuesday’s committee meeting, Representative Weiss wisely questioned if the current legislation by just stipulating a tiered system was adequate and expressed the need for DENR to amend this language. Much depends on these individual plans that DENR must now approve. Environmental groups on the NC Common Agenda 2008 remain strongly supportive of linking water conservation goals back to a specific, quantifiable savings for the state.
If the local government or water system fails to implement proposed restrictions during severe, extreme, or exceptional drought, this legislation allows state official s to force restrictions. Should these restrictions fail to minimize harm to public health, safety, and the environment, then even more stringent restrictions would be authorized by state officials. In a water shortage emergency, the governor is further permitted to force water sharing if the supplying system has excess water beyond their need.
On improving general state-wide efforts, Rep. Tarleton and Rep. Luebke further suggested that more public education and outreach to the public on water conservation was needed. Certainly, the public and the legislators have much to learn and do in order to prepare and manage the state’s precious water resources. HB 2499 is a welcome start. Please Support HB 2499. HB 2499 passed the third reading on the Senate floor yesterday. This afternoon, the bill was removed from the calendar, even after yesterday's unexpected caucus on the floor for amendments; but will be taken up as priority on Monday when the House meets again.
Support Stormwater Management Revisions. Stormwater regulations over this session have been rendered palatable enough to gain the “whole hearted” endorsement of the developers and general acceptance by coastal cities and municipalities. On Tuesday, SB 1967, formerly the “Disapprove Coastal Stormwater Bill” was replaced with the committee substitute, “Improve Coastal Stormwater Management,” which is the product of the series of eight negotiation meetings that began back in April. The environmental community supports the coastal stormwater compromise. The newest costal stormwater rules require stricter setback and drainage requirements for these 20 coastal counties; but some scientists and environmental regulators still think that this new rule is not enough. The environmental community believes more could have been done to protect our environment but recognizes that the “compromise” bill will protect the environment more than rules currently in place. The environmental community asks lawmakers to support the committee substitute of SB 1967. Further, the environmental community also encourages legislators oppose amendments that would upset the compromise reached at stakeholder meetings. Finally, legislators should reject efforts to disapprove or delay implementing the Coastal Stormwater Program.
We all have a responsibility to protect and enhance our state’s water quality. Chronic lowering of environmental standards and protections is a trend the State’s legislature should avoid at all costs. Great concern was expressed in the environmental community after the Honorables mentioned on Tuesday that the EMC’s authority might be repealed after, SB 1967 is voted on, to set coastal stormwater rules for a certain length of time. This pronouncement is disquieting for many outside of the legislature. If the EMC’s authority is tampered with, then those most experienced and knowledgeable on the impacts to state waters are effectively forced by the legislators to take the back seat to political considerations. Shouldn’t our water quality protection measures be based on pragmatic conservation approaches and sound science rather than political pandering?
Updates
Strengthen North Carolina's drought response.
SUPPORT H2499 (S1879)
Protect our coast from stormwater pollution.
SUPPORT the Committee Substitute for SB1967 (adopted 7/8/08)
Defend our shoreline from hardened structures.
OPPOSE S599
Stop global warming, start clean cars.
SUPPORT H 2526 and H1179(S1307)
The NC Common Agenda is endorsed by: Audubon NC / Conservation Council of NC / Environment NC / Environmental Defense Fund / NC Coastal Federation / NC Conservation Network / NC Sierra Club / Penderwatch & Conservancy / Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Legislative Summaries
H838 Ban Incandescent Light Bulbs
This legislation would prohibit the sale of general service incandescent light bulbs in the state. Support.
H1134 Cleanup of Abandoned Manufactured Homes
This legislation would protect public health and the environment by encouraging counties to develop plans for deconstructing abandoned manufactured homes and removing reusable or recyclable components. The legislation would impose an environmental remediation tax on the sale of new and used manufactured homes to fund the deconstruction of abandoned manufactured homes. Support.
H1154 Oak Island/Erosion Setback Line
This legislation, which applies to the Town of Oak Island, alters setback rules in cases of beaches that have undergone renourishment programs. Altering the setback rules undermines sound planning principles and prudent coastal management rules that have been in place for some time. Oppose.
H1179/S1307 Clean Cars Program/Funds
This legislation would establish North Carolina's low emission vehicle program. Support.
H1611 Stormwater Requirements' cost to County/City
This legislation requires the ERC to prepare and submit a fiscal note to the county or city detailing the costs of meeting post-construction stormwater management standards. Oppose.
H1834 Local Government Economic Impact
This legislation expands the Local Government Fiscal Information Act to require an economic impact statement (EIS) rather than just a fiscal note, similar to the EIS used in the rulemaking process. This act effectively alters the procedures for all parties of local governments who expect to experience substantial economic impacts (of at least $3 million in a 12-month period) from the costs of meeting State regulations and rules. Oppose.
H1889 Present Use Value System Modifications
This legislation would provide property tax relief to landowners who manage their lands for wildlife and other conservation benefits. The House passed H1889 by an overwhelming vote in the 2007 session. This bill awaits the Senate's ruling. Support.
H1997 Economic Impact/Regulatory Legislation
This legislation would require economic impact statements (EIS) for all bills proposing regulatory changes, similar to he fiscal notes agencies must prepare during the rule making process. Oppose.
H2499 / S1879 Drought/Water Management Recommendations
This legislation requires that surface and groundwater withdrawls and transfers (between river basins) of greater than or equal to 100,000 gallons per day be registered with the Environmental Management Commission. Support.
H2506 Sedimentation Ctrl/Local Gov't Envorcement
This legislation would clarify the process for appeals from civil penalties assed by a local government that have established and approved erosion and sedimentation control programs. In keeping with a recommendation by the Environmental Review Commission, this legislation would provide local governments with such programs to issue stop work orders. Support.
H2526 Motor Vehicle Emissions Study
This legislation would direct the Environmental Review Commission, in consultation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, to study the costs and benefits--economic and environmental--of adopting the California motor vehicle emissions standards for the State. This act further directs that a report of findings, recommendations, and legislative proposals be submitted by 1 April 2009. Support.
H2675 Adopt-A-Trail Funds
This legislation would increase the funds for the Adopt-a-Trail Program within the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources by $892,000 for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Support.
H2709 No Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining
This legislation would prohibit any public utility that operates a coal-fired generating unit in the State to generate electricity from purchasing or using coal extracted by mountaintop removal coal mining. This bill provides for cost recovery and appropriates funds for any utility's incremental costs of purchasing or using coal extracted by some method other than mountaintop removal coal mining. Support.
H2710 Income Tax Credit - Energy-Efficient Homes
This legislation would provide an income tax credit for builders of: state-certified energy-efficient homes, under the NC Healthy Build Homes Program, of $2,000; or the federally qualified energy-efficient home under the ENERGY STAR Program of $1,000. Support.
H2718 N.C. Green Business Fund
This legislation would change the NC Green Business Fund from a grant-making fund to a no-interest loan-making fund and would appropriate funds to the Department of Commerce for this purpose. Support.
H2720 Energy-Efficient State Motor Vehicle Fleets
This legislation would require every new passenger motor vehicle transferred to or purchasaed by the Department of Administration or by the Department of Transportation to have a fuel economy rating, as set by the U.S. EPA for the new vehicle's model year, in the top 10 percent for its class of vehicles. Support.
Support Drought Legislation. On Tuesday, the House Environment and Natural Resources Commission approved HB 2499, Drought/Water Management Recommendations. The bill now will be considered by the full House. This bill is a significant step forward for the State, specifying the governor’s emergency powers during water shortages and increasing the authority of state officials to impose restrictions on local water system during the increasing stages of drought.
The bill presented to the Committee was quickly criticized by legislators and environmental organizations because it failed to set uniform minimum conservation measures or set water-savings goals for counties across the state. Previous bill drafts had proposed such uniform conservation measures for all systems that required reduced water use by 10% and then 20% under the two worst levels of drought. But, opposition to such uniform measures quickly mounted and shamefully the mandatory minimum measures went by the wayside.
Local governments had already been charged with filing water shortage response plans with the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) by the start of this month; however, prior to this session’s proposed legislation, no standards existed that these water shortage response plans had to meet. Section 5 of HB 2499 directs DENR to approve the local government or water system’s plan if it meets just three criteria, the two most descriptive criteria being that: the plan should includes a tiered level of water conservation measures or other response actions; and that each tier of water conservation measures should be based on increased severity of drought/water shortage that would lead to stricter water conservation measures. At Tuesday’s committee meeting, Representative Weiss wisely questioned if the current legislation by just stipulating a tiered system was adequate and expressed the need for DENR to amend this language. Much depends on these individual plans that DENR must now approve. Environmental groups on the NC Common Agenda 2008 remain strongly supportive of linking water conservation goals back to a specific, quantifiable savings for the state.
If the local government or water system fails to implement proposed restrictions during severe, extreme, or exceptional drought, this legislation allows state official s to force restrictions. Should these restrictions fail to minimize harm to public health, safety, and the environment, then even more stringent restrictions would be authorized by state officials. In a water shortage emergency, the governor is further permitted to force water sharing if the supplying system has excess water beyond their need.
On improving general state-wide efforts, Rep. Tarleton and Rep. Luebke further suggested that more public education and outreach to the public on water conservation was needed. Certainly, the public and the legislators have much to learn and do in order to prepare and manage the state’s precious water resources. HB 2499 is a welcome start. Please Support HB 2499. HB 2499 passed the third reading on the Senate floor yesterday. This afternoon, the bill was removed from the calendar, even after yesterday's unexpected caucus on the floor for amendments; but will be taken up as priority on Monday when the House meets again.
Support Stormwater Management Revisions. Stormwater regulations over this session have been rendered palatable enough to gain the “whole hearted” endorsement of the developers and general acceptance by coastal cities and municipalities. On Tuesday, SB 1967, formerly the “Disapprove Coastal Stormwater Bill” was replaced with the committee substitute, “Improve Coastal Stormwater Management,” which is the product of the series of eight negotiation meetings that began back in April. The environmental community supports the coastal stormwater compromise. The newest costal stormwater rules require stricter setback and drainage requirements for these 20 coastal counties; but some scientists and environmental regulators still think that this new rule is not enough. The environmental community believes more could have been done to protect our environment but recognizes that the “compromise” bill will protect the environment more than rules currently in place. The environmental community asks lawmakers to support the committee substitute of SB 1967. Further, the environmental community also encourages legislators oppose amendments that would upset the compromise reached at stakeholder meetings. Finally, legislators should reject efforts to disapprove or delay implementing the Coastal Stormwater Program.
We all have a responsibility to protect and enhance our state’s water quality. Chronic lowering of environmental standards and protections is a trend the State’s legislature should avoid at all costs. Great concern was expressed in the environmental community after the Honorables mentioned on Tuesday that the EMC’s authority might be repealed after, SB 1967 is voted on, to set coastal stormwater rules for a certain length of time. This pronouncement is disquieting for many outside of the legislature. If the EMC’s authority is tampered with, then those most experienced and knowledgeable on the impacts to state waters are effectively forced by the legislators to take the back seat to political considerations. Shouldn’t our water quality protection measures be based on pragmatic conservation approaches and sound science rather than political pandering?
Updates
Strengthen North Carolina's drought response.
SUPPORT H2499 (S1879)
Protect our coast from stormwater pollution.
SUPPORT the Committee Substitute for SB1967 (adopted 7/8/08)
Defend our shoreline from hardened structures.
OPPOSE S599
Stop global warming, start clean cars.
SUPPORT H 2526 and H1179(S1307)
The NC Common Agenda is endorsed by: Audubon NC / Conservation Council of NC / Environment NC / Environmental Defense Fund / NC Coastal Federation / NC Conservation Network / NC Sierra Club / Penderwatch & Conservancy / Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Legislative Summaries
H838 Ban Incandescent Light Bulbs
This legislation would prohibit the sale of general service incandescent light bulbs in the state. Support.
H1134 Cleanup of Abandoned Manufactured Homes
This legislation would protect public health and the environment by encouraging counties to develop plans for deconstructing abandoned manufactured homes and removing reusable or recyclable components. The legislation would impose an environmental remediation tax on the sale of new and used manufactured homes to fund the deconstruction of abandoned manufactured homes. Support.
H1154 Oak Island/Erosion Setback Line
This legislation, which applies to the Town of Oak Island, alters setback rules in cases of beaches that have undergone renourishment programs. Altering the setback rules undermines sound planning principles and prudent coastal management rules that have been in place for some time. Oppose.
H1179/S1307 Clean Cars Program/Funds
This legislation would establish North Carolina's low emission vehicle program. Support.
H1611 Stormwater Requirements' cost to County/City
This legislation requires the ERC to prepare and submit a fiscal note to the county or city detailing the costs of meeting post-construction stormwater management standards. Oppose.
H1834 Local Government Economic Impact
This legislation expands the Local Government Fiscal Information Act to require an economic impact statement (EIS) rather than just a fiscal note, similar to the EIS used in the rulemaking process. This act effectively alters the procedures for all parties of local governments who expect to experience substantial economic impacts (of at least $3 million in a 12-month period) from the costs of meeting State regulations and rules. Oppose.
H1889 Present Use Value System Modifications
This legislation would provide property tax relief to landowners who manage their lands for wildlife and other conservation benefits. The House passed H1889 by an overwhelming vote in the 2007 session. This bill awaits the Senate's ruling. Support.
H1997 Economic Impact/Regulatory Legislation
This legislation would require economic impact statements (EIS) for all bills proposing regulatory changes, similar to he fiscal notes agencies must prepare during the rule making process. Oppose.
H2499 / S1879 Drought/Water Management Recommendations
This legislation requires that surface and groundwater withdrawls and transfers (between river basins) of greater than or equal to 100,000 gallons per day be registered with the Environmental Management Commission. Support.
H2506 Sedimentation Ctrl/Local Gov't Envorcement
This legislation would clarify the process for appeals from civil penalties assed by a local government that have established and approved erosion and sedimentation control programs. In keeping with a recommendation by the Environmental Review Commission, this legislation would provide local governments with such programs to issue stop work orders. Support.
H2526 Motor Vehicle Emissions Study
This legislation would direct the Environmental Review Commission, in consultation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, to study the costs and benefits--economic and environmental--of adopting the California motor vehicle emissions standards for the State. This act further directs that a report of findings, recommendations, and legislative proposals be submitted by 1 April 2009. Support.
H2675 Adopt-A-Trail Funds
This legislation would increase the funds for the Adopt-a-Trail Program within the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources by $892,000 for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Support.
H2709 No Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining
This legislation would prohibit any public utility that operates a coal-fired generating unit in the State to generate electricity from purchasing or using coal extracted by mountaintop removal coal mining. This bill provides for cost recovery and appropriates funds for any utility's incremental costs of purchasing or using coal extracted by some method other than mountaintop removal coal mining. Support.
H2710 Income Tax Credit - Energy-Efficient Homes
This legislation would provide an income tax credit for builders of: state-certified energy-efficient homes, under the NC Healthy Build Homes Program, of $2,000; or the federally qualified energy-efficient home under the ENERGY STAR Program of $1,000. Support.
H2718 N.C. Green Business Fund
This legislation would change the NC Green Business Fund from a grant-making fund to a no-interest loan-making fund and would appropriate funds to the Department of Commerce for this purpose. Support.
H2720 Energy-Efficient State Motor Vehicle Fleets
This legislation would require every new passenger motor vehicle transferred to or purchasaed by the Department of Administration or by the Department of Transportation to have a fuel economy rating, as set by the U.S. EPA for the new vehicle's model year, in the top 10 percent for its class of vehicles. Support.
7/02/2008
Thumbnail Info on NC House and Senate Bills
Legislative Summaries [from Conservation Council of NC]
H838 Ban Incandescent Light Bulbs
This legislation would prohibit the sale of general service incandescent light bulbs in the state. Support.
H1134 Cleanup of Abandoned Manufactured Homes
This legislation would protect public health and the environment by encouraging counties to develop plans for deconstructing abandoned manufactured homes and removing reusable or recyclable components. The legislation would impose an environmental remediation tax on the sale of new and used manufactured homes to fund the deconstruction of abandoned manufactured homes. Support.
H1154 Oak Island/Erosion Setback Line
This legislation, which applies to the Town of Oak Island, alters setback rules in cases of beaches that have undergone renourishment programs. Altering the setback rules undermines sound planning principles and prudent coastal management rules that have been in place for some time. Oppose.
H1179/S1307 Clean Cars Program/Funds
This legislation would establish North Carolina's low emission vehicle program. Support.
H1611 Stormwater Requirements' cost to County/City
This legislation requires the ERC to prepare and submit a fiscal note to the county or city detailing the costs of meeting post-construction stormwater management standards. Oppose.
H1834 Local Government Economic Impact
This legislation expands the Local Government Fiscal Information Act to require an economic impact statement (EIS) rather than just a fiscal note, similar to the EIS used in the rulemaking process. This act effectively alters the procedures for all parties of local governments who expect to experience substantial economic impacts (of at least $3 million in a 12-month period) from the costs of meeting State regulations and rules. Oppose.
H1889 Present Use Value System Modifications
This legislation would provide property tax relief to landowners who manage their lands for wildlife and other conservation benefits. The House passed H1889 by an overwhelming vote in the 2007 session. This bill awaits the Senate's ruling. Support.
H1997 Economic Impact/Regulatory Legislation
This legislation would require economic impact statements (EIS) for all bills proposing regulatory changes, similar to he fiscal notes agencies must prepare during the rule making process. Oppose.
H2138/S1967 Disapprove Coastal Stormwater Rule
This legislation which would disapprove existing stormwater regulations in coastal counties. Oppose.
H2499 / S1879 Drought/Water Management Recommendations
This legislation requires that surface and groundwater withdrawls and transfers (between river basins) of greater than or equal to 100,000 gallons per day be registered with the Environmental Management Commission. Support.
H2506 Sedimentation Ctrl/Local Gov't Envorcement
This legislation would clarify the process for appeals from civil penalties assed by a local government that have established and approved erosion and sedimentation control programs. In keeping with a recommendation by the Environmental Review Commission, this legislation would provide local governments with such programs to issue stop work orders. Support.
H2526 Motor Vehicle Emissions Study
This legislation would direct the Environmental Review Commission, in consultation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, to study the costs and benefits--economic and environmental--of adopting the California motor vehicle emissions standards for the State. This act further directs that a report of findings, recommendations, and legislative proposals be submitted by 1 April 2009. Support.
H2675 Adopt-A-Trail Funds
This legislation would increase the funds for the Adopt-a-Trail Program within the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources by $892,000 for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Support.
H2709 No Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining
This legislation would prohibit any public utility that operates a coal-fired generating unit in the State to generate electricity from purchasing or using coal extracted by mountaintop removal coal mining. This bill provides for cost recovery and appropriates funds for any utility's incremental costs of purchasing or using coal extracted by some method other than mountaintop removal coal mining. Support.
H2710 Income Tax Credit - Energy-Efficient Homes
This legislation would provide an income tax credit for builders of: state-certified energy-efficient homes, under the NC Healthy Build Homes Program, of $2,000; or the federally qualified energy-efficient home under the ENERGY STAR Program of $1,000. Support.
H2718 N.C. Green Business Fund
This legislation would change the NC Green Business Fund from a grant-making fund to a no-interest loan-making fund and would appropriate funds to the Department of Commerce for this purpose. Support.
H2720 Energy-Efficient State Motor Vehicle Fleets
This legislation would require every new passenger motor vehicle transferred to or purchasaed by the Department of Administration or by the Department of Transportation to have a fuel economy rating, as set by the U.S. EPA for the new vehicle's model year, in the top 10 percent for its class of vehicles. Support.
S215 Litter Reduction
This legislation would reduce roadside and other littering, as well as encouraging recycling by requiring a deposit on beverage containers and requiring redemption centers to accept returned beverage containers and refund the deposits. Support.
S273 Funds for Sylvan Heights Water Fowl Park
This legislation would provide funds ($150,000) for the construction of Phase II of the Sylvan Heights Water Fowl and Eco-center in Scotland Neck. Support.
S396 Clarify EMC and DENR Authority
This legislation would limit the authority of DENR and EMC to impose conditions on their approval of permits. Oppose.
S505 Income Tax Credit for Energy Efficient Homes
This legislation would provide an Income Tax Credit for the building or improvement o fenergy efficient homes. Support.
S569 Wildlife Conservation Property Tax Relief
This legislation would provide property tax relief from qualified wildlife conservtion land. Support.
S599 Inlet Stabilization Pilot Program
This legislation would allow the construction of permanent seawalls or groins on the coastline as part of a pilot program to evaluate their effectiveness. Oppose.
S927/H1073 Green School Construction Loan Fund/Program
This legislation would create the green school construction revolving loan fund to be used for no interest loans to local boards of education for certain energy related construction, commissioning, and installation projects. It would also establish the green school construction program, a voluntary program for the construction or major renovation of high performance school buildings. Support.
S967/H1600 NC Organic Economic Opportunities Study
This legislation would ensure that economic market research is conducted for the expansion and development of organic agriculture production, marketing and business enterprises in the State. Support.
S1522/H990 Land & Water Conservation Bond Act of 2007
This legislation authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds of the State, subject to a vote of the qualified voters of the State, to address statewide needs regarding land conservation, water quality protection, historic preservation, and job creation. Support.
S1553 Recyling Discarded Computer Equipment
This legislation would the establish the North Carolina Producer Responsibility Program for the recycling of discarded computer equipment. Support.
S1597 Cary Energy Efficiency Incentive
This legislation authorizes Cary to provide land-use development incentives for reductions in energy consumption. Once passed into law, this legislation would apply to the cities of Asheville, Charlotte, and Wilmington, and the towns of Carrboro, Cary, and Chapel Hill. Support.
S1871/H2526 Motor Vehicle Emissions Study
This legislation directs the ERC to consult with DENR to conduct a cost-benefit of adopting the higher California motor vehicle emissions stands in the State. Support.
S1894/H2363 Congestion Relief/Intermodal Transport Fund
This legislation, recommended by the 21st Century transportation committee, would establish a congestion relief and intermodal transportation fund, providing for the allocation of these funds to local governments and transportation authorities for transportation purposes. Such benifits and services would include short line railroads; railroads for intermodal facilities, multimodal facilities and inland ports; improvements on existing rail lines to ports and military installations; and expand intercity passenger rail service, especially among three urban regions,a llowing other local governments similar local transit funding options. Support.
S1930 State Park System Additions
This legislation, following an ERC recommendation, authorizes the addition of Bear Paw State Natural Area and Yellow Mountain State Natural area to the NC State Park System. Support.
S1933 Amend Environmental Laws 2008
This legislation, following ERC recommendations, adjusts environmental and natural resource laws to provide that drinking water wells be tested for additional parameters such as benzene, methyl tert-butyl or isopropyl ether, benzene, toluene, and other similar compounds. Support.
S1946 Codify Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings
This legislation, following ERC recommendations, codifies energy efficiency and water use standards used for major facility construction or renovation projects to state, university, or community college buildings in order to reduce water and energy consumption. Support.
S1959 Water Resource Management Funds
This legislation would secure funds for NC's regional councils to develop and implement water resource management programs which address water quality issues which extend beyond local governmental boundaries. Support.
SJ1987 ERC Study Offshore Drilling For Energy Needs
This legislation would authorize the ERC to study the desireability of encouraging offshore drilling exploration for oil or natural gas in coastal waters with in the State's jurisdiction. This feasibility study would have to address whether the State could urge U.S. Congress to pass new federal legislation which would try to lift a federal moratoria on offshore drilling exploration for oil or natural gas within federal jurisdiction. Oppose.
S2035 North Carolina Sea Grant Funding
This legislation would secure $750,000 for fiscal year 2008-2009 for NC State University's NC Sea Grant Program. Support.
S2077 Stock Assessments of Marine Fish
This legislation would secure $100,000 worth of state funds for NC State University for marine fish stock assessments. Support.
The Conservation Council Lobbying Advisory Council is supported by these other environmental organizations...
Audubon Society North Carolina
www.ncaudubon.org
Carolina Recycling Association
www.cra-recycle.org
Conservation Trust for NC
www.ctnc.org
Carteret County Crossroads
www.carteretcrossroads.org
Eno River Association
www.enoriver.org
Friends of State Parks
www.rasman.com/fsp
Neuse River Foundation
www.neuseriver.org
New Hope Audubon
www.newhopeaudubon.org
NC Coastal Federation
www.nccoast.org
NC Native Plant Society
www.ncwildflower.org
NC Rail-Trails
www.ncrail-trails.org
NC Recreation & Park Association
http://www.ncrpa.net
NC Sustainable Energy Association
www.ncsustainableenergy.org
Pamlico-Tar River Foundation
www.ptrf.org
South River Association
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
www.cleanenergy.org
H838 Ban Incandescent Light Bulbs
This legislation would prohibit the sale of general service incandescent light bulbs in the state. Support.
H1134 Cleanup of Abandoned Manufactured Homes
This legislation would protect public health and the environment by encouraging counties to develop plans for deconstructing abandoned manufactured homes and removing reusable or recyclable components. The legislation would impose an environmental remediation tax on the sale of new and used manufactured homes to fund the deconstruction of abandoned manufactured homes. Support.
H1154 Oak Island/Erosion Setback Line
This legislation, which applies to the Town of Oak Island, alters setback rules in cases of beaches that have undergone renourishment programs. Altering the setback rules undermines sound planning principles and prudent coastal management rules that have been in place for some time. Oppose.
H1179/S1307 Clean Cars Program/Funds
This legislation would establish North Carolina's low emission vehicle program. Support.
H1611 Stormwater Requirements' cost to County/City
This legislation requires the ERC to prepare and submit a fiscal note to the county or city detailing the costs of meeting post-construction stormwater management standards. Oppose.
H1834 Local Government Economic Impact
This legislation expands the Local Government Fiscal Information Act to require an economic impact statement (EIS) rather than just a fiscal note, similar to the EIS used in the rulemaking process. This act effectively alters the procedures for all parties of local governments who expect to experience substantial economic impacts (of at least $3 million in a 12-month period) from the costs of meeting State regulations and rules. Oppose.
H1889 Present Use Value System Modifications
This legislation would provide property tax relief to landowners who manage their lands for wildlife and other conservation benefits. The House passed H1889 by an overwhelming vote in the 2007 session. This bill awaits the Senate's ruling. Support.
H1997 Economic Impact/Regulatory Legislation
This legislation would require economic impact statements (EIS) for all bills proposing regulatory changes, similar to he fiscal notes agencies must prepare during the rule making process. Oppose.
H2138/S1967 Disapprove Coastal Stormwater Rule
This legislation which would disapprove existing stormwater regulations in coastal counties. Oppose.
H2499 / S1879 Drought/Water Management Recommendations
This legislation requires that surface and groundwater withdrawls and transfers (between river basins) of greater than or equal to 100,000 gallons per day be registered with the Environmental Management Commission. Support.
H2506 Sedimentation Ctrl/Local Gov't Envorcement
This legislation would clarify the process for appeals from civil penalties assed by a local government that have established and approved erosion and sedimentation control programs. In keeping with a recommendation by the Environmental Review Commission, this legislation would provide local governments with such programs to issue stop work orders. Support.
H2526 Motor Vehicle Emissions Study
This legislation would direct the Environmental Review Commission, in consultation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, to study the costs and benefits--economic and environmental--of adopting the California motor vehicle emissions standards for the State. This act further directs that a report of findings, recommendations, and legislative proposals be submitted by 1 April 2009. Support.
H2675 Adopt-A-Trail Funds
This legislation would increase the funds for the Adopt-a-Trail Program within the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources by $892,000 for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Support.
H2709 No Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining
This legislation would prohibit any public utility that operates a coal-fired generating unit in the State to generate electricity from purchasing or using coal extracted by mountaintop removal coal mining. This bill provides for cost recovery and appropriates funds for any utility's incremental costs of purchasing or using coal extracted by some method other than mountaintop removal coal mining. Support.
H2710 Income Tax Credit - Energy-Efficient Homes
This legislation would provide an income tax credit for builders of: state-certified energy-efficient homes, under the NC Healthy Build Homes Program, of $2,000; or the federally qualified energy-efficient home under the ENERGY STAR Program of $1,000. Support.
H2718 N.C. Green Business Fund
This legislation would change the NC Green Business Fund from a grant-making fund to a no-interest loan-making fund and would appropriate funds to the Department of Commerce for this purpose. Support.
H2720 Energy-Efficient State Motor Vehicle Fleets
This legislation would require every new passenger motor vehicle transferred to or purchasaed by the Department of Administration or by the Department of Transportation to have a fuel economy rating, as set by the U.S. EPA for the new vehicle's model year, in the top 10 percent for its class of vehicles. Support.
S215 Litter Reduction
This legislation would reduce roadside and other littering, as well as encouraging recycling by requiring a deposit on beverage containers and requiring redemption centers to accept returned beverage containers and refund the deposits. Support.
S273 Funds for Sylvan Heights Water Fowl Park
This legislation would provide funds ($150,000) for the construction of Phase II of the Sylvan Heights Water Fowl and Eco-center in Scotland Neck. Support.
S396 Clarify EMC and DENR Authority
This legislation would limit the authority of DENR and EMC to impose conditions on their approval of permits. Oppose.
S505 Income Tax Credit for Energy Efficient Homes
This legislation would provide an Income Tax Credit for the building or improvement o fenergy efficient homes. Support.
S569 Wildlife Conservation Property Tax Relief
This legislation would provide property tax relief from qualified wildlife conservtion land. Support.
S599 Inlet Stabilization Pilot Program
This legislation would allow the construction of permanent seawalls or groins on the coastline as part of a pilot program to evaluate their effectiveness. Oppose.
S927/H1073 Green School Construction Loan Fund/Program
This legislation would create the green school construction revolving loan fund to be used for no interest loans to local boards of education for certain energy related construction, commissioning, and installation projects. It would also establish the green school construction program, a voluntary program for the construction or major renovation of high performance school buildings. Support.
S967/H1600 NC Organic Economic Opportunities Study
This legislation would ensure that economic market research is conducted for the expansion and development of organic agriculture production, marketing and business enterprises in the State. Support.
S1522/H990 Land & Water Conservation Bond Act of 2007
This legislation authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds of the State, subject to a vote of the qualified voters of the State, to address statewide needs regarding land conservation, water quality protection, historic preservation, and job creation. Support.
S1553 Recyling Discarded Computer Equipment
This legislation would the establish the North Carolina Producer Responsibility Program for the recycling of discarded computer equipment. Support.
S1597 Cary Energy Efficiency Incentive
This legislation authorizes Cary to provide land-use development incentives for reductions in energy consumption. Once passed into law, this legislation would apply to the cities of Asheville, Charlotte, and Wilmington, and the towns of Carrboro, Cary, and Chapel Hill. Support.
S1871/H2526 Motor Vehicle Emissions Study
This legislation directs the ERC to consult with DENR to conduct a cost-benefit of adopting the higher California motor vehicle emissions stands in the State. Support.
S1894/H2363 Congestion Relief/Intermodal Transport Fund
This legislation, recommended by the 21st Century transportation committee, would establish a congestion relief and intermodal transportation fund, providing for the allocation of these funds to local governments and transportation authorities for transportation purposes. Such benifits and services would include short line railroads; railroads for intermodal facilities, multimodal facilities and inland ports; improvements on existing rail lines to ports and military installations; and expand intercity passenger rail service, especially among three urban regions,a llowing other local governments similar local transit funding options. Support.
S1930 State Park System Additions
This legislation, following an ERC recommendation, authorizes the addition of Bear Paw State Natural Area and Yellow Mountain State Natural area to the NC State Park System. Support.
S1933 Amend Environmental Laws 2008
This legislation, following ERC recommendations, adjusts environmental and natural resource laws to provide that drinking water wells be tested for additional parameters such as benzene, methyl tert-butyl or isopropyl ether, benzene, toluene, and other similar compounds. Support.
S1946 Codify Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings
This legislation, following ERC recommendations, codifies energy efficiency and water use standards used for major facility construction or renovation projects to state, university, or community college buildings in order to reduce water and energy consumption. Support.
S1959 Water Resource Management Funds
This legislation would secure funds for NC's regional councils to develop and implement water resource management programs which address water quality issues which extend beyond local governmental boundaries. Support.
SJ1987 ERC Study Offshore Drilling For Energy Needs
This legislation would authorize the ERC to study the desireability of encouraging offshore drilling exploration for oil or natural gas in coastal waters with in the State's jurisdiction. This feasibility study would have to address whether the State could urge U.S. Congress to pass new federal legislation which would try to lift a federal moratoria on offshore drilling exploration for oil or natural gas within federal jurisdiction. Oppose.
S2035 North Carolina Sea Grant Funding
This legislation would secure $750,000 for fiscal year 2008-2009 for NC State University's NC Sea Grant Program. Support.
S2077 Stock Assessments of Marine Fish
This legislation would secure $100,000 worth of state funds for NC State University for marine fish stock assessments. Support.
The Conservation Council Lobbying Advisory Council is supported by these other environmental organizations...
Audubon Society North Carolina
www.ncaudubon.org
Carolina Recycling Association
www.cra-recycle.org
Conservation Trust for NC
www.ctnc.org
Carteret County Crossroads
www.carteretcrossroads.org
Eno River Association
www.enoriver.org
Friends of State Parks
www.rasman.com/fsp
Neuse River Foundation
www.neuseriver.org
New Hope Audubon
www.newhopeaudubon.org
NC Coastal Federation
www.nccoast.org
NC Native Plant Society
www.ncwildflower.org
NC Rail-Trails
www.ncrail-trails.org
NC Recreation & Park Association
http://www.ncrpa.net
NC Sustainable Energy Association
www.ncsustainableenergy.org
Pamlico-Tar River Foundation
www.ptrf.org
South River Association
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
www.cleanenergy.org
3/04/2008
Dan Besse for Lt. Gov.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2js1kawXD7Q
[a quick illustration about what Dan has already done for NC]
[a quick illustration about what Dan has already done for NC]
2/06/2008
CCNC Endorses Besse
For immediate release
Jan 6, 2008
Contact: Brownie Newman, Political Director 828-243-0107
Conservation PAC endorses Dan Besse for Lt. Governor
The Conservation PAC today issued its first endorsement in the 2008 election cycle, endorsing Winston-Salem City Councilman Dan Besse for Lt. Governor of North Carolina. The endorsement was made based on Dan Besse’s life-long commitment and leadership to conserve North Carolina’s natural resources and environmental health.
Dan Besse has dedicated much of his life to assuring a healthy environment for the people of North Carolina. Besse was the Chairman of the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission from 1985- 1990, where he led the effort to improve protections for North Carolina’s shorelines and estuaries. Besse served on the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission from 1993- 2005 where he led the effort to create North Carolina’s wetland conservation rules and other standards for clean air and clean water.
Dan Besse has helped defend unique natural wonders from the New River in our mountains to Buxton Woods on our Outer Banks.
As a member of the Winston-Salem City Council, Besse has been a voice for bike and pedestrian friendly neighborhoods, clean air, effective public transit, and conversion of the city fleet to low-emission vehicles. Besse is a North Carolina representative to the National League of Cities policy and advocacy committee for Energy, Environment and Natural Resources. Besse serves on the North Carolina Climate Action Plan to address the threat of global warming impacts on North Carolina communities.
“Dan Besse brings an unmatched depth of understanding and demonstrated commitment to protection of North Carolina’s communities and environment,” said Brownie Newman, Political Director for the Conservation PAC. “With the tremendous development pressures in our state, we need leaders who understand how unplanned growth can cripple the unique environmental qualities that make North Carolina a great place to live. For those reasons, we are proud to endorse Dan Besse for Lt. Governor,” said Newman.
The Conservation PAC noted that several of the other candidates have adopted positive positions on certain environmental issues during the course of the campaign, but none of the other candidates bring the real world experience and proven commitment to conservation values that Besse has achieved over the past twenty-five years.
"Dan Besse has provided great leadership on issues that mean so much to North Carolinians. He has been a champion for environmental protection and public health for many years,” said Nina Szlosberg, Chair of the Conservation PAC. “We need his kind of leadership in the state to remain competitive in the 21st Century."
The Conservation PAC is the political arm of North Carolina’s conservation community. Its members are active environmental leaders from across the state. The Conservation PAC is a non-partisan organization.
Jan 6, 2008
Contact: Brownie Newman, Political Director 828-243-0107
Conservation PAC endorses Dan Besse for Lt. Governor
The Conservation PAC today issued its first endorsement in the 2008 election cycle, endorsing Winston-Salem City Councilman Dan Besse for Lt. Governor of North Carolina. The endorsement was made based on Dan Besse’s life-long commitment and leadership to conserve North Carolina’s natural resources and environmental health.
Dan Besse has dedicated much of his life to assuring a healthy environment for the people of North Carolina. Besse was the Chairman of the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission from 1985- 1990, where he led the effort to improve protections for North Carolina’s shorelines and estuaries. Besse served on the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission from 1993- 2005 where he led the effort to create North Carolina’s wetland conservation rules and other standards for clean air and clean water.
Dan Besse has helped defend unique natural wonders from the New River in our mountains to Buxton Woods on our Outer Banks.
As a member of the Winston-Salem City Council, Besse has been a voice for bike and pedestrian friendly neighborhoods, clean air, effective public transit, and conversion of the city fleet to low-emission vehicles. Besse is a North Carolina representative to the National League of Cities policy and advocacy committee for Energy, Environment and Natural Resources. Besse serves on the North Carolina Climate Action Plan to address the threat of global warming impacts on North Carolina communities.
“Dan Besse brings an unmatched depth of understanding and demonstrated commitment to protection of North Carolina’s communities and environment,” said Brownie Newman, Political Director for the Conservation PAC. “With the tremendous development pressures in our state, we need leaders who understand how unplanned growth can cripple the unique environmental qualities that make North Carolina a great place to live. For those reasons, we are proud to endorse Dan Besse for Lt. Governor,” said Newman.
The Conservation PAC noted that several of the other candidates have adopted positive positions on certain environmental issues during the course of the campaign, but none of the other candidates bring the real world experience and proven commitment to conservation values that Besse has achieved over the past twenty-five years.
"Dan Besse has provided great leadership on issues that mean so much to North Carolinians. He has been a champion for environmental protection and public health for many years,” said Nina Szlosberg, Chair of the Conservation PAC. “We need his kind of leadership in the state to remain competitive in the 21st Century."
The Conservation PAC is the political arm of North Carolina’s conservation community. Its members are active environmental leaders from across the state. The Conservation PAC is a non-partisan organization.
1/19/2008
Conservation Insider Bulletin from Dan Besse, Jan 18
Conservation Insider Bulletin
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, earthvote@ccnccpac.org
January 18, 2008
There's more on sonar, plus in-state decisions on coastal stormwater and beach-bagging, in this week's CIB:
--Judicial Watch: White House to Whales: Who Cares?
--Administrative Watch: EMC Strengthens Coastal Stormwater Rules; CRC Rejects Eternal Sandbagging
Judicial Watch: White House to Whales: Who Cares?
Last week, we reported that a federal judge in California concluded that concerns about the impacts of Navy sonar testing on whales and other marine life were well-founded. U.S. District Court Judge Florence-Marie Cooper ordered the Navy to adopt strict new safeguards limiting their training exercises using midfrequency sonar off the California coast.
Since then, President Bush has entered an executive order exempting the Navy from environmental laws so that the sonar testing can go forward as planned, without regard to the court-ordered restrictions. Bush's action is not the final word on the matter, but legal analysts indicate it may strengthen the Navy's hand in its appeal to the Federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. That court was expected to issue a ruling as early as today.
In addition, yesterday District Court Judge Cooper agreed to modify her original order to temporarily suspend two of its requirements which the Navy called most intrusive: to shut down sonar if a marine mammal is spotted within 2,200 yards of a sonar device, and to reduce sonar power under certain sea conditions that allow sonar blasts to travel farther than normal. She will hear further arguments from the Navy and attorneys for environmental groups challenging the testing next week.
The District Court judge's original order restricted exercises to areas more than 12 miles offshore, required monitoring for the presence of marine mammals, and directed sonar shutdown when marine mammals were spotted with 2,200 yards of the maneuvers. While the California Middle District Court order is not binding on activities in North Carolina, a federal judge here could view it as persuasive precedent in the case now underway challenging similar testing off the Carolina coast.
Administrative Watch: EMC Strengthens Coastal Stormwater Rules; CRC Rejects Eternal Sandbagging
EMC Strengthens Coastal Stormwater Rules: Last week the N.C. Environmental Management Commission voted unanimously to significantly strengthen its rules governing stormwater runoff in coastal counties. Among other provisions, the new rules increase the required setback of new development along coastal area waters from 30 to 50 feet of buffer. They also lower the threshold for commercial development to trigger the controls from one acre to 10,000 square feet, and remove most wetlands from the land area used in calculating allowable maximum impervious surface percentages. The rules adopted were recommended by a three-member panel of hearing officers including EMC vice chair Pete Peterson. To no one's surprise, the ever-cooperative Raleigh lobbyist for the N.C. Home Builders Association indicated that the developers group will challenge the rule changes before the Rules Review Commission (RRC). If the RRC checks off on the changes, the developer lobby is expected to further appeal to the legislature. Assuming the General Assembly does not elect to intervene, the rules changes could go into effect by late 2008. Anticipating the various appeals, the state Division of Water Quality has set up a website to explain and track the issues: http://h2o/enr.state.nc.us/su/coastal.htm. (Thanks to Erin Kimrey of NCCONNET for a good summary of the action.)
CRC Rejects Eternal Sandbagging: Meanwhile, over at the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC), the normally patient CRC declared that it has had enough of The Riggings. (CIB Editor's Note: As I recall, the Riggings' huge sandbag wall was in place when I was first appointed to chair the CRC in 1985.) This Kure Beach condominium complex has fought all efforts to require it to remove its massive sandbag escarpment and move back from the receding shoreline for more than 20 years. Like other similarly-situated developments that are now nearly sitting in the surf line, it had its sandbags approved as a temporary permit, to allow it time to move the structures. Recently, the Riggings' property owners rejected a federal buyout deal which would have included a $2.7 million FEMA hazard mitigation grant to help relocate the structures across U.S. 421.
After the owners rejected the deal, state coastal regulators pulled the project's final permit. Yesterday, the CRC rejected the Riggings' request to retain the sandbag wall indefinitely. Next stop, probably, the state courts.
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, earthvote@ccnccpac.org
January 18, 2008
There's more on sonar, plus in-state decisions on coastal stormwater and beach-bagging, in this week's CIB:
--Judicial Watch: White House to Whales: Who Cares?
--Administrative Watch: EMC Strengthens Coastal Stormwater Rules; CRC Rejects Eternal Sandbagging
Judicial Watch: White House to Whales: Who Cares?
Last week, we reported that a federal judge in California concluded that concerns about the impacts of Navy sonar testing on whales and other marine life were well-founded. U.S. District Court Judge Florence-Marie Cooper ordered the Navy to adopt strict new safeguards limiting their training exercises using midfrequency sonar off the California coast.
Since then, President Bush has entered an executive order exempting the Navy from environmental laws so that the sonar testing can go forward as planned, without regard to the court-ordered restrictions. Bush's action is not the final word on the matter, but legal analysts indicate it may strengthen the Navy's hand in its appeal to the Federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. That court was expected to issue a ruling as early as today.
In addition, yesterday District Court Judge Cooper agreed to modify her original order to temporarily suspend two of its requirements which the Navy called most intrusive: to shut down sonar if a marine mammal is spotted within 2,200 yards of a sonar device, and to reduce sonar power under certain sea conditions that allow sonar blasts to travel farther than normal. She will hear further arguments from the Navy and attorneys for environmental groups challenging the testing next week.
The District Court judge's original order restricted exercises to areas more than 12 miles offshore, required monitoring for the presence of marine mammals, and directed sonar shutdown when marine mammals were spotted with 2,200 yards of the maneuvers. While the California Middle District Court order is not binding on activities in North Carolina, a federal judge here could view it as persuasive precedent in the case now underway challenging similar testing off the Carolina coast.
Administrative Watch: EMC Strengthens Coastal Stormwater Rules; CRC Rejects Eternal Sandbagging
EMC Strengthens Coastal Stormwater Rules: Last week the N.C. Environmental Management Commission voted unanimously to significantly strengthen its rules governing stormwater runoff in coastal counties. Among other provisions, the new rules increase the required setback of new development along coastal area waters from 30 to 50 feet of buffer. They also lower the threshold for commercial development to trigger the controls from one acre to 10,000 square feet, and remove most wetlands from the land area used in calculating allowable maximum impervious surface percentages. The rules adopted were recommended by a three-member panel of hearing officers including EMC vice chair Pete Peterson. To no one's surprise, the ever-cooperative Raleigh lobbyist for the N.C. Home Builders Association indicated that the developers group will challenge the rule changes before the Rules Review Commission (RRC). If the RRC checks off on the changes, the developer lobby is expected to further appeal to the legislature. Assuming the General Assembly does not elect to intervene, the rules changes could go into effect by late 2008. Anticipating the various appeals, the state Division of Water Quality has set up a website to explain and track the issues: http://h2o/enr.state.nc.us/su/coastal.htm. (Thanks to Erin Kimrey of NCCONNET for a good summary of the action.)
CRC Rejects Eternal Sandbagging: Meanwhile, over at the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC), the normally patient CRC declared that it has had enough of The Riggings. (CIB Editor's Note: As I recall, the Riggings' huge sandbag wall was in place when I was first appointed to chair the CRC in 1985.) This Kure Beach condominium complex has fought all efforts to require it to remove its massive sandbag escarpment and move back from the receding shoreline for more than 20 years. Like other similarly-situated developments that are now nearly sitting in the surf line, it had its sandbags approved as a temporary permit, to allow it time to move the structures. Recently, the Riggings' property owners rejected a federal buyout deal which would have included a $2.7 million FEMA hazard mitigation grant to help relocate the structures across U.S. 421.
After the owners rejected the deal, state coastal regulators pulled the project's final permit. Yesterday, the CRC rejected the Riggings' request to retain the sandbag wall indefinitely. Next stop, probably, the state courts.
1/12/2008
Conservation Insider Bulletin from Dan Besse, Jan 11
Conservation Insider Bulletin
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, earthvote@ccnccpac.org
January 11, 2008
We have developments on important coastal issues, pesticide law enforcement, and more, in this week's CIB:
--Washington Watch: No Money for OLF
--Judicial Watch: Federal Judge Restricts Navy Sonar Testing
--Administrative Watch: Pesticide Board Hears Major Enforcement Case
--Education & Resources: CCNC Co-sponsors Lakoff Talk
Washington Watch: No Money for OLF
We have some good news after all on funding for the controversial OLF. At least for the moment, it's not getting any.
Even though President Bush vetoed the defense authorization bill which contained a prohibition on spending any federal funds for the proposed OLF (outlying landing field) in Washington and Beaufort counties, he signed the omnibus appropriations bill which is keeping the federal government in general going. As it turns out, U.S. Rep. David Price (D-NC4) managed to get a similar provision inserted in that bill as well.
Good for Price. (And a CIB hat tip to Jack Betts' "This Old State" blog on the Charlotte Observer, website, where we picked up this information.)
Judicial Watch: Federal Judge Restricts Navy Sonar Testing
Advocates for marine mammals and other wildlife off the Carolinas coast have been concerned for some time regarding the effects of Navy sonar testing on sealife. Litigation is in progress on that debate.
This past week, a federal judge in California concluded that similar concerns about testing off the west coast were well-founded. U.S. District Court Judge Florence-Marie Cooper ordered the Navy to adopt strict new safeguards limiting the training exercises using midfrequency sonar. The judge's order restricted exercises to areas more than 12 miles offshore, required monitoring for the presence of marine mammals, and directed sonar shutdown when marine mammals were spotted with 2,200 yards of the maneuvers.
The California Middle District Court order is not binding on activities in North Carolina, but a federal judge here could view it as persuasive precedent in similar circumstances.
Navy spokesmen indicated that the Navy was considering an appeal to the Federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Administrative Watch: Pesticide Board Hears Major Enforcement Case
The N.C. Pesticide Board this week heard presentations on the case of a major agribusiness which stands accused of exposing North Carolina employees to toxic pesticides, resulting in birth defects among their children. The company, Ag-Mart, was hit with a $184,500 fine in 2005 for 369 violations of state pesticide control regulations.
Last October, however, an Administrative Law Judge dismissed most of the fine and recommended that the Pesticide Board penalize the company a mere $6,000. That recommendation went to the board for review this week, but its decision was postponed.
The Florida-based Ag-Mart grows tomatoes on about a thousand acres in North Carolina. When levied, the original fine represented one of the largest in state history for pesticide violations.
Education & Resources: CCNC Co-sponsors Lakoff Talk
CCNC encourages you to check your calendar for March 1. On that date, CCNC will be one of at least 22 organizations co-sponsoring a presentation by Dr. George Lakoff of the University of California-Berkeley. Lakoff will speak on effective communication of public policy issues, at 6:30 PM on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at the Hilton Garden Airport (Raleigh-Durham Airport). Lakoff is the author of Don't Think of an Elephant, on the topic of persuasive language use. For more information, email Senseney Marshall at senseney@ncjustice.org.
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, earthvote@ccnccpac.org
January 11, 2008
We have developments on important coastal issues, pesticide law enforcement, and more, in this week's CIB:
--Washington Watch: No Money for OLF
--Judicial Watch: Federal Judge Restricts Navy Sonar Testing
--Administrative Watch: Pesticide Board Hears Major Enforcement Case
--Education & Resources: CCNC Co-sponsors Lakoff Talk
Washington Watch: No Money for OLF
We have some good news after all on funding for the controversial OLF. At least for the moment, it's not getting any.
Even though President Bush vetoed the defense authorization bill which contained a prohibition on spending any federal funds for the proposed OLF (outlying landing field) in Washington and Beaufort counties, he signed the omnibus appropriations bill which is keeping the federal government in general going. As it turns out, U.S. Rep. David Price (D-NC4) managed to get a similar provision inserted in that bill as well.
Good for Price. (And a CIB hat tip to Jack Betts' "This Old State" blog on the Charlotte Observer, website, where we picked up this information.)
Judicial Watch: Federal Judge Restricts Navy Sonar Testing
Advocates for marine mammals and other wildlife off the Carolinas coast have been concerned for some time regarding the effects of Navy sonar testing on sealife. Litigation is in progress on that debate.
This past week, a federal judge in California concluded that similar concerns about testing off the west coast were well-founded. U.S. District Court Judge Florence-Marie Cooper ordered the Navy to adopt strict new safeguards limiting the training exercises using midfrequency sonar. The judge's order restricted exercises to areas more than 12 miles offshore, required monitoring for the presence of marine mammals, and directed sonar shutdown when marine mammals were spotted with 2,200 yards of the maneuvers.
The California Middle District Court order is not binding on activities in North Carolina, but a federal judge here could view it as persuasive precedent in similar circumstances.
Navy spokesmen indicated that the Navy was considering an appeal to the Federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Administrative Watch: Pesticide Board Hears Major Enforcement Case
The N.C. Pesticide Board this week heard presentations on the case of a major agribusiness which stands accused of exposing North Carolina employees to toxic pesticides, resulting in birth defects among their children. The company, Ag-Mart, was hit with a $184,500 fine in 2005 for 369 violations of state pesticide control regulations.
Last October, however, an Administrative Law Judge dismissed most of the fine and recommended that the Pesticide Board penalize the company a mere $6,000. That recommendation went to the board for review this week, but its decision was postponed.
The Florida-based Ag-Mart grows tomatoes on about a thousand acres in North Carolina. When levied, the original fine represented one of the largest in state history for pesticide violations.
Education & Resources: CCNC Co-sponsors Lakoff Talk
CCNC encourages you to check your calendar for March 1. On that date, CCNC will be one of at least 22 organizations co-sponsoring a presentation by Dr. George Lakoff of the University of California-Berkeley. Lakoff will speak on effective communication of public policy issues, at 6:30 PM on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at the Hilton Garden Airport (Raleigh-Durham Airport). Lakoff is the author of Don't Think of an Elephant, on the topic of persuasive language use. For more information, email Senseney Marshall at senseney@ncjustice.org.
12/30/2007
Conservation Insider Bulletin from Dan Besse, Dec. 28
Conservation Insider Bulletin
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, earthvote@ccnccpac.org
December 28, 2007
It's actually raining this week around much of North Carolina. Hey, why not finish the year with some good news, in this week's CIB?:
--Washington Watch: Energy Bill Includes Block Grants; Budget Includes 'Road to Nowhere' Settlement Cash
--Campaign Watch: DCCC Targets NC8; 'Club for Growth' Targets Huckabee
--Judicial Watch: Groups May Sue Forest Service Over Timber Sales
--Around the Globe: European Forests Expanding
Washington Watch: Energy Bill Includes Block Grants; Budget Includes 'Road to Nowhere' Settlement Cash
Energy Bill Includes Block Grants: The Energy Independence and Security Act signed into law last week contains a number of positive provisions. One of those being publicized now is $10 billion in funding for block grants to local and state governments for energy efficiency and conservation initiatives. The money will be distributed in a competitive application process to initiatives such as building and home energy conservation programs, energy audits, fuel conservation programs, "smart growth" planning, and alternative energy programs. About two-thirds of the funding is reserved for local governments. Cities with populations of 35,000 or more can apply. (Nation's Cities Weekly, 12/24/07.)
Budget Includes 'Road to Nowhere' Settlement Cash: In the midst of a nasty partisan confrontation over budget issues, freshman Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC11) has managed to pull an environmental coup. The long-delayed omnibus budget bill includes a $6 million "down payment" on the pending $52 million settlement payment to permanently cancel construction of the notorious "Road to Nowhere" into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Other members of Congress in both North Carolina and Tennessee supported funding for the proposed settlement deal between the federal government and Swain County.
Campaign Watch: DCCC Targets NC8; 'Club for Growth' Targets Huckabee
DCCC Targets NC8: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), still chagrined about its narrowly missed opportunity in 2006, has designated N.C.'s Eighth Congressional District as a targeted race for 2008. Among the 40 seats targeted for DCCC funding in pickup efforts nationwide, NC8 is the only contest in the Southeast (outside of Florida) included on the list. The incumbent, Rep. Robin Hayes (R-NC8) is a recurring figure on the national League of Conservation Voters' "Dirty Dozen" list.
'Club for Growth' Targets Huckabee: This is not precisely good news—but it is an interesting commentary on the state of the Republican presidential nomination fight. The "Club for Growth", an anti-tax, anti-regulatory advocacy group—almost never a friend of environmental protections—has launched an advertising attack campaign in Iowa against the surprising GOP poll leader there, Mike Huckabee. It seems that Huckabee, a darling of the Republican social right, is far too flexible on economic policies to suit the hard-core free marketeers. Of interest to environmental quality advocates, for example, Huckabee has actually had positive things to say about the importance of addressing global warming. (His position there, while not well-developed in its specifics, seems to grow out of that strain of evangelical Christianity which has begun preaching "creation care" as a part of its policy platform.) Combined with the resurgence of McCain (who does have a well-defined, and positive, position on global warming) in New Hampshire, this seems to indicate that at least moderately favorable environmental thinking is back in competitive play among the national Republican primary electorate. And that is good news.
Judicial Watch: Groups May Sue Forest Service Over Timber Sales
The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) and Wild South (formerly named the Southern Appalachian Biodiversity Project) are negotiating with the U.S. Forest Service over a timber sale in the Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. SELC and Wild South hope to persuade the Forest Service to exclude old growth forest areas from its sale of timber rights in the Globe area near Blowing Rock. If the negotiations are unsuccessful, the groups intend to take the sale to court. Other opposition to the sale has been generated by concern over the timbering impact on scenic views from near Blowing Rock. The Forest Service is expected to announce its final decision on the internal appeals and negotiations in January. The sale plan at issue was announced by the Forest Service in 2005, and cutting is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2009 unless blocked. (Winston-Salem Journal, 12/28/07.)
Around the Globe: European Forests Expanding
Among all the grim indicators regarding the accelerating pace of global climate change, let's take a moment to finish 2007 on a note of positive news in this arena: European forests. After shrinking over the centuries, the trend has notably reversed. With financial support from the European Union and member nation governments, "aforestation" programs have increased the extent of European forest cover by an estimated 10% since 1990. Ireland, for example, has approximately doubled its forest area since the 1980's, from five to ten percent of its land area. Spain has seen similar results. The increases have resulted in large part from shifting financial incentives, to turn marginally productive farmland into forest. Among other environmental benefits, increasing forests provides a sink for carbon emissions. The push for aforestation is expected to continue and intensify. (Globe and Mail, Toronto, Ontario, 12/20/07.)
Happy New Year to all! See you in 2008.
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, earthvote@ccnccpac.org
December 28, 2007
It's actually raining this week around much of North Carolina. Hey, why not finish the year with some good news, in this week's CIB?:
--Washington Watch: Energy Bill Includes Block Grants; Budget Includes 'Road to Nowhere' Settlement Cash
--Campaign Watch: DCCC Targets NC8; 'Club for Growth' Targets Huckabee
--Judicial Watch: Groups May Sue Forest Service Over Timber Sales
--Around the Globe: European Forests Expanding
Washington Watch: Energy Bill Includes Block Grants; Budget Includes 'Road to Nowhere' Settlement Cash
Energy Bill Includes Block Grants: The Energy Independence and Security Act signed into law last week contains a number of positive provisions. One of those being publicized now is $10 billion in funding for block grants to local and state governments for energy efficiency and conservation initiatives. The money will be distributed in a competitive application process to initiatives such as building and home energy conservation programs, energy audits, fuel conservation programs, "smart growth" planning, and alternative energy programs. About two-thirds of the funding is reserved for local governments. Cities with populations of 35,000 or more can apply. (Nation's Cities Weekly, 12/24/07.)
Budget Includes 'Road to Nowhere' Settlement Cash: In the midst of a nasty partisan confrontation over budget issues, freshman Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC11) has managed to pull an environmental coup. The long-delayed omnibus budget bill includes a $6 million "down payment" on the pending $52 million settlement payment to permanently cancel construction of the notorious "Road to Nowhere" into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Other members of Congress in both North Carolina and Tennessee supported funding for the proposed settlement deal between the federal government and Swain County.
Campaign Watch: DCCC Targets NC8; 'Club for Growth' Targets Huckabee
DCCC Targets NC8: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), still chagrined about its narrowly missed opportunity in 2006, has designated N.C.'s Eighth Congressional District as a targeted race for 2008. Among the 40 seats targeted for DCCC funding in pickup efforts nationwide, NC8 is the only contest in the Southeast (outside of Florida) included on the list. The incumbent, Rep. Robin Hayes (R-NC8) is a recurring figure on the national League of Conservation Voters' "Dirty Dozen" list.
'Club for Growth' Targets Huckabee: This is not precisely good news—but it is an interesting commentary on the state of the Republican presidential nomination fight. The "Club for Growth", an anti-tax, anti-regulatory advocacy group—almost never a friend of environmental protections—has launched an advertising attack campaign in Iowa against the surprising GOP poll leader there, Mike Huckabee. It seems that Huckabee, a darling of the Republican social right, is far too flexible on economic policies to suit the hard-core free marketeers. Of interest to environmental quality advocates, for example, Huckabee has actually had positive things to say about the importance of addressing global warming. (His position there, while not well-developed in its specifics, seems to grow out of that strain of evangelical Christianity which has begun preaching "creation care" as a part of its policy platform.) Combined with the resurgence of McCain (who does have a well-defined, and positive, position on global warming) in New Hampshire, this seems to indicate that at least moderately favorable environmental thinking is back in competitive play among the national Republican primary electorate. And that is good news.
Judicial Watch: Groups May Sue Forest Service Over Timber Sales
The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) and Wild South (formerly named the Southern Appalachian Biodiversity Project) are negotiating with the U.S. Forest Service over a timber sale in the Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. SELC and Wild South hope to persuade the Forest Service to exclude old growth forest areas from its sale of timber rights in the Globe area near Blowing Rock. If the negotiations are unsuccessful, the groups intend to take the sale to court. Other opposition to the sale has been generated by concern over the timbering impact on scenic views from near Blowing Rock. The Forest Service is expected to announce its final decision on the internal appeals and negotiations in January. The sale plan at issue was announced by the Forest Service in 2005, and cutting is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2009 unless blocked. (Winston-Salem Journal, 12/28/07.)
Around the Globe: European Forests Expanding
Among all the grim indicators regarding the accelerating pace of global climate change, let's take a moment to finish 2007 on a note of positive news in this arena: European forests. After shrinking over the centuries, the trend has notably reversed. With financial support from the European Union and member nation governments, "aforestation" programs have increased the extent of European forest cover by an estimated 10% since 1990. Ireland, for example, has approximately doubled its forest area since the 1980's, from five to ten percent of its land area. Spain has seen similar results. The increases have resulted in large part from shifting financial incentives, to turn marginally productive farmland into forest. Among other environmental benefits, increasing forests provides a sink for carbon emissions. The push for aforestation is expected to continue and intensify. (Globe and Mail, Toronto, Ontario, 12/20/07.)
Happy New Year to all! See you in 2008.
12/15/2007
Conservation Insider Bulletin from Dan Besse, Dec. 14
Conservation Insider Bulletin
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, earthvote@ccnccpac.org
December 14, 2007
The CCNC community this week mourns the passing of two of its early champions. That and more news, in this week's CIB:
--Movement Leaders: Early Presidents Pass On
--Around the State: CCNC Draws Big "Town Hall" Turnout in Asheville
--Campaign Watch: No Taylor to Kick Around This Time; More Hats in the Kerr Ring
--South of the Border: Duke Wants Cash Now for Nuke Later, Somewhere, Maybe
Movement Leaders: Early Presidents Pass On
Like Adams and Jefferson, two of our first presidents passed on at virtually the same time over the past week. CCNC's first president, Bob Conner, and its late-'70's president Dave Martin, both passed on after long illnesses.
Conner was the first president of both CCNC and what has since become the CCNC Foundation. An architect by profession, he helped to found the Friends of State Parks and the Piedmont Environmental Center. He served as president of the Catesby Bird Club and the Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers, as well as a member of the Guilford County Advisory Board for Environmental Quality (for 15 years) and the North West Preservation Committee. Conner was a moving force within North Carolina's environmental movement for three decades of his 93 years.
Martin was both an artist and a physicist during his 85 years. As president of CCNC during the 1970's, he led the organization in its fight against the expansion of commercial nuclear power plants. Afterwards, he also served as a leader of the South River Association, and dedicated time and effort toward fighting against stream channelization and the destruction of wildlife habitat.
Both men were smiling, bearded, brilliant individuals with a strong sense of humor and a passionate dedication to protection of the earth. Either could well have served as an artist's archetype for "citizen conservationist".
Bob and Dave are survived by spouses Lib Conner and Betty Martin, both of whom have also served for decades as leaders within the North Carolina citizen environmental movement. The Conner and Martin families have suggested that memorial gifts may be made to groups supported by the two leaders, including the Conservation Council of North Carolina.
Around the State: CCNC Draws Big "Town Hall" Turnout in AshevilleCCNC Political Director Brownie Newman brings us this report on a successful forum held December 13 in Asheville:
"The Conservation Council hosted a town hall meeting on Creating a Clean Energy Future for North Carolina last night in Asheville. I expected to have about 25- 30 participants in the event. To my surprise, we had about 90 people show up and pack themselves into the community room at the Unitarian Church where we held the event!
I received very positive feedback from participants about the event and think it can be a good model for other such town hall forums we may want to hold in other communities around the state in the coming year. I want to express Big Thanks to Robin Smith and her husband Wayne for showing up early with me to help set up and for helping clean up afterwards.
The forum featured a panel that included environmentalists, citizen activists, elected officials from the local and state level and a representative from Congressman Shuler's office. The forum began with a presentation by John Wilson from the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, who previewed their upcoming proposal for a carbon reduction strategy for the state of North Carolina. Their report outlines a series of strategies that would allow North Carolina to reduce our carbon pollution by 40% by the year 2030. Their proposal is based on an aggressive use of existing technologies rather than presuming significant new technological breakthroughs to get there. It is visionary but also believable.
Following John, Robin Cape (a member of Asheville City Council) and Margie Meares (a member of the Sustainable Advisory Committee for Energy and the Environment) reflected on the clean energy policy initiatives that have been put in place in Asheville over the past two years. They also outlined their ideas for continuing these efforts in the coming year.
Next, Rep. Charles Thomas (R-Buncombe) and Rep. Susan Fisher (D-Buncombe) talked about the energy issues that have been addressed in the Legislature in the past session, primarily focusing on the pros and cons of Senate Bill 3. They also shared their ideas about how to move these issues forward in the coming year. Both legislators are on our side. Charles Thomas brings one of the most forward looking, policy-oriented perspectives about the energy issues of any member of the Legislature. These issues are a top priority for him and he understands that we need to be thinking about transforming our energy economy, not just tweaking our current approach.
Finally, Tom Jones, a representative for Congressman Heath Shuler, talked about the energy issues being debated and voted on in Congress. Shuler is doing a good job supporting the right energy/ CAFE standard bills in Congress.
Then we opened the forum up for an interactive dialogue with the citizens attending the forum. The forum lasted from 7- 9 PM. There was roughly equal time given to presentations and the Q&A section. All the presenters did a good job articulating the issues as well as how people could get involved in working on them.
The WNC Alliance, Wenoca Chapter of the Sierra Club and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy were co-sponsors of the forum. The event was videotaped and will be rebroadcast on the local public access television station here in Asheville, which has a fairly large audience. We will be sending out a letter to all the people who signed in to invite them to become members of the Conservation Council and we'll add them to our list to receive the Conservation Insider.
It's heartening to see the growing public interest in clean, renewable energy. I think this format could be a good model for holding additional town hall type meetings in other cities across the state in early 2008, in preparation for the Short Session of the Legislature and the 2008 elections."
Campaign Watch: No Taylor to Kick Around This Time; More Hats in the Kerr Ring
No Taylor to Kick Around This Time: After months of coy non-announcement, defeated former U.S. Representative Charles Taylor publicly announced this week that he would definitely not seek to re-acquire his old seat from its current holder, U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC11)—at least not next year.
More Hats in the Kerr Ring: The District 5 Senate seat held for the past 20 years by John Kerr (D-Wayne) continues to draw bids to a race looking to be crowded with contenders. In addition to the candidates already noted in last week's CIB (Don Davis, Kathy Taft, Marvin Blount, and possibly Don Parrott), two more noted their intentions this week: Edward H. Wilson, Jr., the retired president of Wayne Community College; and possibly former state senator Tony Moore, who switched from Democrat to Republican to run unsuccessfully against Kerr in a consolidated district in 2004, but switched back to a Democratic registration earlier this year.
South of the Border: Duke Wants Cash Now for Nuke Later, Somewhere, Maybe
The Greenville (SC) News reported this week that Duke Energy has asked the S.C. Public Service Commission to approve Duke's decision to spend as much as $230 million in development of its proposed new nuclear plant in that state—even though Duke declined to provide even an indication of when the final decision on whether to build the plant will be made. Oh, and Duke also says that it isn't ready to say where it will build the maybe-nuke, although it confides that it's leaning toward near Gaffney. Thanks for sharing that teaser, friends. Here, take our checkbook and do whatever you think is right.
That's our report for this week.
Published weekly for the Conservation Council of North Carolina
Conservation News to Peruse & Use
Editor: Dan Besse, earthvote@ccnccpac.org
December 14, 2007
The CCNC community this week mourns the passing of two of its early champions. That and more news, in this week's CIB:
--Movement Leaders: Early Presidents Pass On
--Around the State: CCNC Draws Big "Town Hall" Turnout in Asheville
--Campaign Watch: No Taylor to Kick Around This Time; More Hats in the Kerr Ring
--South of the Border: Duke Wants Cash Now for Nuke Later, Somewhere, Maybe
Movement Leaders: Early Presidents Pass On
Like Adams and Jefferson, two of our first presidents passed on at virtually the same time over the past week. CCNC's first president, Bob Conner, and its late-'70's president Dave Martin, both passed on after long illnesses.
Conner was the first president of both CCNC and what has since become the CCNC Foundation. An architect by profession, he helped to found the Friends of State Parks and the Piedmont Environmental Center. He served as president of the Catesby Bird Club and the Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers, as well as a member of the Guilford County Advisory Board for Environmental Quality (for 15 years) and the North West Preservation Committee. Conner was a moving force within North Carolina's environmental movement for three decades of his 93 years.
Martin was both an artist and a physicist during his 85 years. As president of CCNC during the 1970's, he led the organization in its fight against the expansion of commercial nuclear power plants. Afterwards, he also served as a leader of the South River Association, and dedicated time and effort toward fighting against stream channelization and the destruction of wildlife habitat.
Both men were smiling, bearded, brilliant individuals with a strong sense of humor and a passionate dedication to protection of the earth. Either could well have served as an artist's archetype for "citizen conservationist".
Bob and Dave are survived by spouses Lib Conner and Betty Martin, both of whom have also served for decades as leaders within the North Carolina citizen environmental movement. The Conner and Martin families have suggested that memorial gifts may be made to groups supported by the two leaders, including the Conservation Council of North Carolina.
Around the State: CCNC Draws Big "Town Hall" Turnout in AshevilleCCNC Political Director Brownie Newman brings us this report on a successful forum held December 13 in Asheville:
"The Conservation Council hosted a town hall meeting on Creating a Clean Energy Future for North Carolina last night in Asheville. I expected to have about 25- 30 participants in the event. To my surprise, we had about 90 people show up and pack themselves into the community room at the Unitarian Church where we held the event!
I received very positive feedback from participants about the event and think it can be a good model for other such town hall forums we may want to hold in other communities around the state in the coming year. I want to express Big Thanks to Robin Smith and her husband Wayne for showing up early with me to help set up and for helping clean up afterwards.
The forum featured a panel that included environmentalists, citizen activists, elected officials from the local and state level and a representative from Congressman Shuler's office. The forum began with a presentation by John Wilson from the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, who previewed their upcoming proposal for a carbon reduction strategy for the state of North Carolina. Their report outlines a series of strategies that would allow North Carolina to reduce our carbon pollution by 40% by the year 2030. Their proposal is based on an aggressive use of existing technologies rather than presuming significant new technological breakthroughs to get there. It is visionary but also believable.
Following John, Robin Cape (a member of Asheville City Council) and Margie Meares (a member of the Sustainable Advisory Committee for Energy and the Environment) reflected on the clean energy policy initiatives that have been put in place in Asheville over the past two years. They also outlined their ideas for continuing these efforts in the coming year.
Next, Rep. Charles Thomas (R-Buncombe) and Rep. Susan Fisher (D-Buncombe) talked about the energy issues that have been addressed in the Legislature in the past session, primarily focusing on the pros and cons of Senate Bill 3. They also shared their ideas about how to move these issues forward in the coming year. Both legislators are on our side. Charles Thomas brings one of the most forward looking, policy-oriented perspectives about the energy issues of any member of the Legislature. These issues are a top priority for him and he understands that we need to be thinking about transforming our energy economy, not just tweaking our current approach.
Finally, Tom Jones, a representative for Congressman Heath Shuler, talked about the energy issues being debated and voted on in Congress. Shuler is doing a good job supporting the right energy/ CAFE standard bills in Congress.
Then we opened the forum up for an interactive dialogue with the citizens attending the forum. The forum lasted from 7- 9 PM. There was roughly equal time given to presentations and the Q&A section. All the presenters did a good job articulating the issues as well as how people could get involved in working on them.
The WNC Alliance, Wenoca Chapter of the Sierra Club and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy were co-sponsors of the forum. The event was videotaped and will be rebroadcast on the local public access television station here in Asheville, which has a fairly large audience. We will be sending out a letter to all the people who signed in to invite them to become members of the Conservation Council and we'll add them to our list to receive the Conservation Insider.
It's heartening to see the growing public interest in clean, renewable energy. I think this format could be a good model for holding additional town hall type meetings in other cities across the state in early 2008, in preparation for the Short Session of the Legislature and the 2008 elections."
Campaign Watch: No Taylor to Kick Around This Time; More Hats in the Kerr Ring
No Taylor to Kick Around This Time: After months of coy non-announcement, defeated former U.S. Representative Charles Taylor publicly announced this week that he would definitely not seek to re-acquire his old seat from its current holder, U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC11)—at least not next year.
More Hats in the Kerr Ring: The District 5 Senate seat held for the past 20 years by John Kerr (D-Wayne) continues to draw bids to a race looking to be crowded with contenders. In addition to the candidates already noted in last week's CIB (Don Davis, Kathy Taft, Marvin Blount, and possibly Don Parrott), two more noted their intentions this week: Edward H. Wilson, Jr., the retired president of Wayne Community College; and possibly former state senator Tony Moore, who switched from Democrat to Republican to run unsuccessfully against Kerr in a consolidated district in 2004, but switched back to a Democratic registration earlier this year.
South of the Border: Duke Wants Cash Now for Nuke Later, Somewhere, Maybe
The Greenville (SC) News reported this week that Duke Energy has asked the S.C. Public Service Commission to approve Duke's decision to spend as much as $230 million in development of its proposed new nuclear plant in that state—even though Duke declined to provide even an indication of when the final decision on whether to build the plant will be made. Oh, and Duke also says that it isn't ready to say where it will build the maybe-nuke, although it confides that it's leaning toward near Gaffney. Thanks for sharing that teaser, friends. Here, take our checkbook and do whatever you think is right.
That's our report for this week.
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