NC Groups Say Bill Would Weaken Local Efforts To Limit Forest Loss

(August 11, 2005 - Raleigh, NC)  Environmental groups called upon NC lawmakers today to defeat a measure that would weaken the authority of local governments to control sprawl and poor logging practices.  Senate Bill 681 Clarify Regulation of Forestry, which narrowly passed the NC House Environment Committee on Tuesday, prohibits counties and towns from restricting timber harvesting and other related activities.  It also allows developers to skirt local development ordinances by clearing a site of its trees before applying for development approval.  Environmental Defense, North Carolina PIRG, Pamlico-Tar River Foundation and the NC Conservation Network have voiced strong opposition to SB 681, which is expected to be voted on by the full House today.

 

“This bill will tie the hands of those local officials who are committed to smart growth,” said Daniel Whittle, senior attorney with Environmental Defense.  “The bill will prevent counties and towns from passing measures that would prevent water pollution from sites that are clearcut, reduce safety risks associated with logging trucks, and protect public health by regulating herbicide and pesticide use.”

 

“Local governments are not a threat to forests in North Carolina, but poorly planned development is,” said Elizabeth Ouzts, director of NC PIRG.  “More than 100,000 acres of forests in North Carolina are converted by developers each year.  This bill will pave the way for more forest loss, and there won’t be a thing towns and counties can do about it.”

 

Counties and towns have pressed lawmakers for additional authority to prevent developers from taking advantage of loopholes created by the bill, but the House Environment Committee approved the measure over their objections.