Executive Summary Of Environmental Positions

NCCBI and its members strongly support sound and sustainable economic growth as a prerequisite to societal improvement, responsible resource use, and environmental protection. We believe that environmental protection preserves and improves the quality of life for all citizens and provides the climate for sustainable growth. NCCBI also believes that maintaining a strong economy allows and encourages further environmental improvement. Finally, we believe that laws, regulations, and standards must be scientifically based, cost-justified, and risk-managed in order to achieve total economic and environmental well-being for all North Carolina citizens.

NCCBI and its members are focused on encouraging common-sense legislation, regulation and policy in the following areas:

Administrative Procedures Act/Regulatory Reform – support the Administrative Procedures Act which clearly defines the process for promulgating environmental regulations. Work to reform the regulatory process by eliminating unnecessary rules, improving the effectiveness of existing rules, and ensuring that new rules are science based and cost justified.

Air Quality – obtain alternative solution to EPA Nox SIP call reductions. Work to develop a regional haze program that allows N. C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to implement a program tailored to North Carolina needs. Continue to oppose Federal Land Manager involvement in PSD (Prevention of Significant Deterioration) permits beyond that required by the federal Clean Air Act. Work to ensure that EPA New Source Review Reform is adopted in North Carolina in a manner that allows economic growth. Ensure that Title V program is implemented in an effective manner.

Brownfields Redevelopment – adopt legislative or regulatory changes that extend liability protection under current program, provide additional funding to DENR, and provide additional incentives for reuse of brownfield properties.

Communications – support legislation and regulations that provide the public with balanced, scientifically based information on a regular basis about the state of the environment in North Carolina.

Endangered Species/Critical Habitats – support the US Fish and Wildlife Services program that identifies and protects critical habitats for endangered species.

Environmental Justice – oppose the current initiative being implemented by EPA; oppose efforts to implement a similar approach in North Carolina.

Pollution Prevention, Waste Reduction, and Energy  Management – support voluntary efforts by government, business and industry to prevent pollution, reduce waste, and reduce energy consumption.   Oppose laws and regulations to mandate the same.

Risk Management – support legislation and regulatory changes which incorporate risk management and cost benefit analyses.

Science Education – implement laws, regulations, and practices which support teaching of good science in North Carolina schools and present the proper balance between economic growth, societal improvement and environmental protection.

Sustainable Development and Growth Planning – work to develop sustainability concepts that allow for economic development and growth planning in conjunction with resource management and environmental protection.  Support legislation and regulations that provide for a balanced approach.

Water Quality Protection – support the basin-wide program approach to water quality management. Work to ensure that laws and regulations are science based, cost justified, involve all stakeholders, include both point and non-point sources, and reflect the inherent differences between basins.

Wetlands Protection – continue to challenge the Environmental Management Commission on the 401 Certification Rules which were adopted outside their authority. Work to implement a state program which focuses exclusively on standards required by federal law.

Administrative Procedures Act / Regulatory Reform
Air Quality

Brownfields Redevelopment

Communications

Endangered Species/Critical Habitats

Environmental Protection Policy

Environmental Justice
Pollution Prevention, Waste Reduction, And Energy Management
Risk Management
Sustainable Development and Growth Planning

Science Education

Water Quality Protection

Wetlands Protection