Legislators revive coal ash billAug 19 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Bruce Henderson The Charlotte Observer
North Carolina legislators hope to vote Wednesday on a revived coal-ash bill as their session winds down, House and Senate leaders said Tuesday. Both versions of the bill put Duke Energy on track to drain its 33 N.C. ash ponds within 15 years. But last-minute differences derailed the bill on Aug. 1 and appeared unlikely to be resolved before a special session in November. Rep. Ruth Samuelson, R-Mecklenburg, said conferees have now agreed on a compromise that prevents ash ponds from being labeled low-risk if they could contaminate groundwater. "We wanted to make sure the groundwater was protected," she said. "The language we're agreeing on will continue to offer that protection, but also to allow for some new technology." The compromise otherwise closely parallels the conference report before legislators in early August, she said. Speaker Thom Tillis said on the House floor Tuesday that leaders in both chambers are working on a compromise as the legislature moves toward adjournment. "I would expect to see something tomorrow," said Tillis spokeswoman Anna Roberts. Senate leader Phil Berger's office said leaders "are working tirelessly today toward a compromise on coal ash and we're hopeful of reaching an agreement soon." The House was in session Tuesday and returns Wednesday. The Senate convenes for the week Wednesday. Coal ash has been a top legislative priority since a Feb. 2 ash spill, the nation's third-largest, from a Duke Energy power plant in Eden into the Dan River. http://www.energycentral.com/functional/news/news_detail.cfm?did=33425270& |