Last week, the unremitting legislative session of 2009 came to a much needed close. In a year dominated by the budget deficit, environmental groups held their breath in anticipation of eleventh hour decisions on key issues and environmental priority bills. We weren't disappointed by this year's cliffhangers.
Our thanks go to those lawmakers who championed the green bills of the session. Click the link to take a look at the public servants deserving applause for their forward looking leadership on behalf of our state.
And many thanks to you for your phone calls, emails and visits to legislators this summer; it truly made the difference on a number of issues. Below you'll find a summary of Sierra Club's priority legislation and an impressive tally of actions taken by our members and volunteers. I hope you'll take a moment to browse our Senate and House vote counts and send a note/call your legislator to thank (or express disappointment) for their actions on behalf of NC’s environment.
-- Drew Ball, Chapter Lobbyist
More transportation options for cities and counties.
Sierran letters to Reps: 520
What the bill does: HB 148 authorizes a public referendum for a half-cent sales tax increase in the Triad and Triangle counties (Wake, Durham, Orange, Guilford, Forsyth) and also allows for a referendum on a smaller quarter cent increase in the state’s other 94 counties. This initiative gives the Triangle the financial tool it needs to fund work on a light rail system and add to its bus fleet. In the future, rural counties will be able to use this tool to hook into the larger transit systems that HB 148 will enable.
Financing Energy Improvements (aka “Cities First”)
Sierran letters to Reps/Sens: 720
What the bill does: HB 1389 allows cities and counties to establish a revolving loan program in order to help residents and commercial property owners overcome the high upfront costs of permanent energy improvements on their property (solar panels, geothermal, weatherization, etc).
Ban plastic bags on the OBX
Sierran letters to Reps/Sens: 900
What the bill does: SB 1018 easily passed the Senate and was contentious in the House, but the ultimate outcome was to make the OBX only the second place in the US, after San Francisco, to ban single-use plastic bags.
Overly ambitious billboard legislation stalls
What the bill would do: HB 1583 would increase the allowable tree clearing zone in front of billboards from 250 to 375 feet and allow for the clearing of vegetation (i.e. tree cutting) impeding the view of the billboard. The bill would have allowed 20 percent of the vegetation in the public right of way to be trimmed in a year's time but wouldn't restrict return visits to cut another 20 percent in perpetuity. The bill did not get a hearing in House Finance before the end of session.
Bad beach bill will be back in short session
What the bill would do: S832 would allow terminal groins, despite projections for sea level rise and repeated opposition from coastal geologists. Terminal Groins have been proven (over 40 coastal geologists agree) to rob sand from other sections of beach and simply move - rather than solve - erosion issues.
The bill never received a hearing on the House side but could be brought up next May when the General Assembly reconvenes.
Finally cleaning up Jordan Lake
What the bill does: In short, HB 239 aims to reduce pH and nutrient concentrations to acceptable levels by instituting runoff controls for both new and existing development. The ratification of this legislation is a major achievement considering the large number of cities, counties, interest groups and public interest groups that were involved in the negotiations.
More check-ups on coal ash dams
What the bill does: HB 1384 prohibits the construction of new coal ash ponds in NC and, most importantly, removes the coal ash exemption from the dam safety act. NC’s coal ash dams will now be inspected by the state every 1-2 years instead of every five.
House never takes up hogwash
What the bill would do: Originally a bill to monitor air toxics, HB 1387 was altered to prevent the Environmental Management Commission from making rules pertaining to the hog industry for two years. Though it passed the Senate, the House never concurred before the end of session.
Climate Change: Decision Time
We live in exciting but uncertain times. Will Congress at long last take meaningful action on climate change? Where does North Carolina fit into the national debate? What can we do to make a difference? Cathy Duvall, the Club's National Political Director, is heading down from Washington DC to help lead the discussion. Molly Diggins and Drew Ball will also share their thoughts on where North Carolina will fit in with this incredibly important issue.
"Astroturf" coming to Greensboro
By now, you might have heard of ‘Energy Citizens,’ a group funded by big polluters but billing itself as a grassroots movement of citizens concerned with climate legislation in Congress.
They’re protesting climate change legislation in Greensboro tomorrow because of its “heavy industry presence.” Interested in attending a counter-protest in support of action on climate change? Contact Drew Ball for information.
Why "Astroturf?" A recently leaked memo revealed that ‘Energy Citizens’ is bankrolled by the American Petroleum Institute. While the API has the same right to petition the government as anyone else, to pretend the Energy Citizens group is a “grassroots” movement and not an extension of a corporate lobby arm is dishonest.
These tactics seem to fall in line with what we saw last month when lobbyists for American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity distributed fake letters appearing to come from community groups stating opposition to climate-change legislation.
Scope out our Blog | Join us on Facebook