The Legislature is currently in a short session that is not likely to consider any controversial issues.  However, we will continue to track the important legislation as it develops.

Common Agenda

• Keep Beaches Public and Natural and oppose terminal groins (S832):

  • Passed the Senate; no movement in the House

• Green jobs through the Community Conservation Assistance Program (S523/H903) :

  •  No movement

• Statewide water planning (S907/H1101): Provides a framework for responsible water use and allocation.

  • Filed in Senate and referred to Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources.

• Safe Artificial Slope Construction Act (H782): Requires local governments to adopt ordinances that are consistent with minimum standards ladi out in the bill, protecting the health and property of those inhabiting steep slopes.  The bill also requires real estate disclosure of the landslide hazard rating assigned to the property.

  • In House.  No movement.
    

Other Bills

• Wind Energy Facility Permitting (S1068): In 2009, this bill passed out of the Senate with language that allows the development of wind power on the coast but effectively bans large-scale wind generation in the mountains. The bill did not move in the House. WNCA supports responsible wind development in the mountains that is protective of the region's natural resources and will be working to find compromise language that will not ban wind power in the mountains.

  • In House.  Re-referred to the Committee on Energy and Energy Efficiency.
    

• NC SAVE$ ENERGY (H1050): Would create an independent energy efficiency administrator and thereby promote the sustainable use of energy in North Carolina.

  • Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Energy Efficiency.  No movement.

• Budget: Lawmakers funded the Clean Water Management Trust Fund with $50 million. While this is a 50% cut from last year's allocation, this funding is a victory. This will allow WNCA's stream restoration project on the Upper Watauga River to move forward.

  • Referred to Committee on Appropriations