CSO Weekly – August 3, 2012

On August 3rd, North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue (D) allowed controversial sea-level rise legislation to become law without her signature. The bill (House Bill 819 / S.L. 2012-202) includes a four-year moratorium on the state Coastal Resources Commission authorizing any sea-level forecast to be used as the basis for regulations while the issue is studied. It also gives local governments the authority to develop their own scientific studies during that time. Because the governor did not act within the designated time limit, the bill automatically become law without signature. For related blog post with additional media coverage on this bill, click here.