Enviornment 8-16-07

North Carolina’s natural resources will be better protected as a result of a bill that was ratified this session. The bill, Senate Bill 1492, (I sponsored the House companion, House Bill 1233, with Representatives Allen and Gibson) provides strict regulations for the construction of landfills including a statewide disposal tax and assurance of adequate funding to maintain, close, and provide post-closure maintenance for a landfill. Companies were attracted to North Carolina for landfill sites because of the inexpensive land, its location on the east coast, its weak regulations, and no surcharge on garbage. The bill will protect the state’s ground water supply and plants and animals in surrounding areas.