Environment (Coastal & Flood Protection)

died · North Carolina · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 1113: Shellfish Leasing Moratoria.

HB 1113 extends a ban on new shellfish and aquaculture leases in the New Hanover County area until July 1, 2026. This restriction applies to any lease applications received by the state but not approved before July 1, 2019, covering a specific coastal zone defined by geographic coordinates and landmarks. The bill also allocates $10,000 to fund public education and notifications about this extension. Finally, the law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and will govern how the Department of Environmental Quality reviews future lease requests.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill extends a moratorium on new shellfish leases to protect coastal resources and allow for environmental recovery.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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in committee · North Carolina · House Mar 3, 2025

HB 253: Restore Down-Zoning/Farmland and Floodplain.

HB 253 restores Henderson County's authority to implement down-zoning (reducing development density or permitted land uses) with a key exception: it requires written consent from all affected property owners unless the down-zoning serves farmland preservation in agricultural districts or floodplain mitigation in FEMA-designated flood areas. The bill directly affects Henderson County property owners and local government officials, limiting down-zoning actions without consent except for these two specific purposes. It applies only to Henderson County, including its municipalities, and takes effect retroactively to December 11, 2024, to revert zoning changes made after that date under previous law. The bill defines "down-zoning" as decreasing density, reducing permitted uses, or creating nonconformities on land.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables down-zoning for farmland preservation (agricultural land conservation) and floodplain mitigation (disaster/emergency management), both environmental protections per subjects and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation

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in committee · North Carolina · Senate Jan 30, 2025

SB 19: Various Environmental Amendments.

This bill designates Jockey's Ridge in Dare County as an "area of environmental concern," requiring permits for removing over 10 cubic yards of sand annually and mandating that removed sand be deposited within Jockey's Ridge State Park. It also mandates public hearings and legislative consultation before the state grants easements for spoil disposal or dumping on state property. Additionally, the bill clarifies stormwater program rules by defining "built-upon area" to exclude artificial turf, specific stone surfaces, trails, and landscaping materials, reducing regulatory burdens for certain developments. These provisions directly affect state agencies, developers, and property owners managing coastal resources and stormwater systems.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDesignates Jockey's Ridge as environmental concern, requires permits for sand removal, mandates sand deposition back in park, and adds public hearings for disposal projects - strengthening protections for natural resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Parks & Recreation Water Quality

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died · North Carolina · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 496: Funds For Coastal Federation.

This bill appropriates $6.25 million in one-time funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and $1 million annually from 2025-2027 to the North Carolina Coastal Federation. The funds will directly support three coastal programs: a $1 million education center on Bogue Sound (matching private funds), a $5 million Living Shoreline Protection Program, and a $250,000 oyster shell recycling initiative. An additional $1 million yearly will fund a permanent program to remove abandoned vessels. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, with all funding directed to the Coastal Federation for specific environmental and community projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates $6.25M one-time and $1M annual for coastal programs, directly advancing state budget allocation for environmental initiatives.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds coastal environmental programs including shoreline protection, oyster recycling, and vessel removal - directly supports conservation and pollution control as listed in subjects.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds $1M annually to remove abandoned vessels (transportation-related program) and lists TRANSPORTATION as a subject, aligning with 'funds transportation projects' indicator.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Coastal & Flood Protection Recycling

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died · North Carolina · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 590: Coastal Plain Resilience and Eco. Pros. Act.

SB 590, the Coastal Plain Resilience and Economic Prospects Act, appropriates over $2 billion in nonrecurring funds and additional recurring funds to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for environmental programs. The bill allocates $2 billion specifically for grants to public water and wastewater systems, along with funding for coastal resilience projects, flood risk reduction, dam safety studies, Superfund cleanups, and addressing contaminants like PFAS through dedicated staff positions. It also provides recurring funds for marine patrols, air quality monitoring, and technical assistance for businesses. The funding supports communities and infrastructure across North Carolina, with the bill becoming effective July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $2 billion for environmental programs including water systems and coastal resilience, directly funding essential public services.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAllocates $2B for DEQ environmental programs including water systems, PFAS cleanup, Superfund, and coastal resilience projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Coastal & Flood Protection Drinking Water

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in committee · North Carolina · House Apr 3, 2025

HB 738: Restore Wetlands Protections.

HB 738 restores specific definitions for wetland protections in North Carolina by repealing prior legislative changes and reinstating the 2010 North Carolina Wetland Assessment Manual definitions. It explicitly defines "isolated wetlands" to include those confirmed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before June 2020 and wetlands classified as basins or bogs under the state's 2010 manual (excluding man-made stormwater features). The bill also clarifies that "wetlands" include waters meeting federal definitions (33 C.F.R. § 328.3 and 40 C.F.R. § 230.3) and the reinstated isolated wetland category. This directly affects developers, landowners, and local governments by determining which projects require wetland permits under state law. The policy change reinstates pre-2020 regulatory boundaries without creating new restrictions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRestores 2010 wetland definitions, reinstating protections and clarifying scope to include natural wetlands, strengthening environmental safeguards per bill title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Water Quality

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passed · North Carolina · Senate Jun 18, 2025

SB 639: North Carolina Farm Act of 2025.

SB 639, the North Carolina Farm Act of 2025, updates agricultural water planning, addresses feral swine damage, and strengthens farm conservation protections. It requires the Department of Agriculture to revise the state’s agricultural water plan by 2026, including funding for water infrastructure, conservation practices, and flood mitigation. The bill creates a Feral Swine Working Group with industry and agency representatives to develop control strategies and report annually, while also mandating 100-foot vegetative buffers around protected farm tracts in new subdivisions. Local governments gain authority to deny development permits that would negatively impact agricultural production, directly affecting farmers, landowners, and municipal planning decisions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentStrengthens farm conservation protections with funding for water infrastructure and conservation practices, explicitly listing 'CONSERVATION' and 'ENVIRONMENT' as subjects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation

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in committee · North Carolina · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 665: Upland Basin Permitting Reform.

SB 665 streamlines permitting for upland basins (marinas built on elevated land, not open water, that accommodate 10+ vessels) by requiring state agencies to approve applications within 60 days unless specific compliance issues are identified. Projects must meet strict water quality standards (including pre-development dissolved oxygen levels), limit wetland impacts to 5% of basin area, include 30-foot vegetated buffers, and provide bonds covering five years of maintenance costs. This law directly affects developers of these facilities by creating clear environmental requirements and faster approval timelines while aiming to protect coastal resources. The bill establishes measurable standards for development, avoiding vague environmental claims through specific, enforceable criteria.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates strict water quality standards, limits wetland impacts (5%), and requires vegetated buffers to protect ecosystems while streamlining permits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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