North Carolina Senate deals a damaging blow to state’s waterways and wildlife

(RALEIGH, NC – June 23, 2016) – Today, the North Carolina Senate voted in favor of House Bill 593 Amend Environmental and Other Laws. Section 4 of this bill dramatically increases the amount of stream destruction allowable without offsetting mitigation, extending the threshold for mitigation from 150 to 300 feet of impact. The bill will now move to the North Carolina House for a vote in the coming weeks.

Will McDow, director of habitat markets at Environmental Defense Fund, issued the following statement:

“North Carolina’s rivers and streams are currently under attack on multiple fronts. HB593 adds to the growing threat our waterways face. I must remind our elected officials that healthy river and stream systems are essential for flood control, safe drinking water, reduced nutrient pollution, and vital habitat for birds, fish and other North Carolina wildlife. I sincerely hope that this bill is stopped by the North Carolina House.”