- Legislative Review
2009 Legislative Review 
The 2009 legislative session was another remarkable year for North Carolina's environment. Several good bills were delayed, some good bills passed, and several damaging bills were soundly defeated. PTRF and the environmental community were successful in passing three of our five NC Common Agenda priorities. The other two legislative priorities have been delayed but are very much in the running for 2010.
Clean Up Jordan Lake
A very important house bill was passed that will work to cleanup the nutrient pollution from Jordan Lake. The priority is to reduce the impact to the lake from polluted stormwater runoff. Including in the law is a requirement for existing developed areas to identify and implement retrofits that will reduce stormwater pollution.
Water Resources Policy Act
The historic drought of 2007-today has opened North Carolina's eyes to the need for comprehensive water policy changes. The main component of this bill is to develop a water permitting program and comprehensive river basin planning that provides for protection of ecological integrity. The bill is largely based on the recommendations of a 2-year Water Allocation Study requested by the legislature. While this bill did not pass this summer, it will be the center of attention in 2010.
Injection of wastewater into Aquifers
This was a damaging bill that was soundly defeated, thanks in part to the work of the White-Oak New Riverkeeper Alliance. The bill sought to force the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) to draft rules allowing the injection and retrieval of treated wastewater in groundwater aquifers. Backed by the Onslow Water and Sewer Authority (ONWASA), the bill was turned into a study of the "issues related to the storage and use of reclaimed water."
Moratorium on EMC Rule-Making
A measure introduced in the waning hours of the session passed the Senate but failed to move in the house. The bill attempted to stop the Environmental Management Commission from considering proposed rules to expand water quality monitoring for swine operations. Read more.
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