NC Conservation Network

Public Alert – Coal Ash (Senate Bill 729): After 39,000 tons of toxic coal ash gushed into the Dan River, lawmakers vowed to pass legislation to clean up coal ash in our state. In response to this devastating spill, lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 729. As written, this weak bill allows Duke Energy to simply leave coal ash in place at 10 of 14 facilities across the state. All 14 locations (containing 33 coal ash pits) are currently leaking. The bill also allows Duke (which reported nearly $3 billion in profits last year) to request to charge NC ratepayers for the cleanup costs starting in January. Current status: The legislature passed this bill and sent it to the Governor’s desk. Governor McCrory is expected to sign the bill soon, although he may take one piece of the bill to court (challenging the constitutionality of the way the appointments are made to the newly created Coal Ash Management Commission.) TAKE ACTION: Call Senator Phil Berger (Senate President Pro Tem) at 919-733-5708 and let him know you’re disappointed that the state legislature passed a weak coal ash bill that doesn’t move ALL of NC’s 14 coal ash sites and allows Duke to request to charge ratepayers for the cleanup cost. Let us know if you call by replying to our email!

-Fracking (Senate Bill 786): Lawmakers broke the promise they made in 2012 (and again in 2013) to have the finished package of fracking rules in front of them before deciding whether to allow fracking in North Carolina. As passed, SB786 also makes it a CRIME (details here) for those with access to the recipe to reveal what chemicals are used in fracking fluid. Current status: The bill passed the state legislature and has been signed into law by Governor McCrory. TAKE ACTION: The Mining and Energy Commission is accepting public comments until September 30th on the proposed fracking rules that will establish a framework for fracking in NC. We know that fracking is wrong for NC and we won’t stop fighting it. However, our state leaders have set us on the fast-track to frack and it’s important that we close the worst loopholes in the rules to protect our environment and communities. Send your message here: http://action.ncconservationnetwork.org/MECComments

-Child Fatality Task Force (House Bill 1133): In a last minute maneuver, some legislators tried to slide a provision into House Bill 1133 that would have eliminated the Child Fatality Task Force. The task force has helped to reduce the state’s infant mortality rate by 32%, pushed for the Schoolchildren’s Health Act, opposed toxic chemicals that threaten children, and protected children from second hand smoke. Current Status: Thanks to your emails and the hard work of NC health/children groups, legislators voted overwhelmingly to save this important commission from elimination.

-Transit/Education (House Bill 1224): State legislators introduced this last minute bill which would force many local governments to choose between properly funding public transit, public education, or any other local priority. This is especially true of the state’s most populous counties, like Wake and Mecklenburg counties. Current Status: The bill passed the state Senate but, thanks in part to your calls and emails, did not pass in the state House and will not become law. -Air Quality Monitors: This provision appeared in an earlier version of the regulatory reform bill this session. This senseless provision would remove approximately half of the state’s air quality monitors. Removing these monitors is especially problematic given that fracking permits may be issued starting as early as next year, and fracking operations have been linked to increased air pollution in other states. Current Status: Thanks to your outcry, lawmakers did not pass this provision. Thank you!