Category Archives: State

Um, no indeed

Posted on May 11, 2013 by kmr

Now why would the state’s Secretary of DHHS blame this on the Insurance Commissioner? Because it is unpopular? Because he’s a Democrat? Because his title has the word insurance in it? From this morning’s Under the Dome via a story … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, Governor, Health Care | Comments Off

I have so been waiting for this submerged lands bill

Posted on March 18, 2013 by kmr

Anyone who tuned in to the legislature post-election and pre-session got a chance to catch up on the history of water policy in North Carolina. Some absolutely fascinating history and legal aspects — lots of common law stuff. One of … Continue reading →

Posted in DENR, Environment, Legislation | Tagged | Comments Off

A lecture on science at the NC legislature

Posted on February 6, 2013 by kmr

A rather interesting lecture today at the legislature by John Droz, who has figured prominently in the state’s debate over sea-level rise standards. Some takeaways: Apparently, many of our state’s scientists are actually anti-science and environmentalists are accepting their ideas … Continue reading →

Posted in DENR, Energy, Environment, General Assembly, Policy | Tagged , | Comments Off

Climate change is real

Posted on September 9, 2012 by kmr

Nice to hear someone running for president say it out loud. No one with any sense is arguing that it is not real, although this year during the sea level rise debate several North Carolina legislators enjoyed waving around copies … Continue reading →

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The NC trend is less Democrats, more reliable Democratic voters

Posted on August 16, 2012 by kmr

Registration numbers have been a focus of late, especially in the battleground states. I can’t speak for how the numbers work in other states, but I do know that if you think that lower numbers of Democrats in North Carolina … Continue reading →

Posted in 2012 Elections, Campaigns, Columns, Current Events, Elections, Governor, Politics, Polls | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off

Reuters says fracking land rush coming to an end

Posted on July 11, 2012 by kmr

If you’re interested in the fracking issue, especially the big currents that drive it, there’s been no better source for insights than Reuters, which has exposed the land speculation, shady finances and inner dealings of some of the industry’s biggest … Continue reading →

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New sea level rise legislation

Posted on July 3, 2012 by kmr

Update: Last night, the North Carolina Senate approved H819 40-1. This morning after a long, spirited and often weird debate the NC House passed it 68-46. Here’s the post from last night . . . The final tweaks are in … Continue reading →

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Mining and energy board appointments an interesting mix

Posted on June 28, 2012 by kmr

The usual end-of-session appointments bill has a long list of folks Speaker Thom Tillis wants to see sitting on various boards, including the new Mining and Energy Commission, which is not quite law yet. One of the new members, Charles … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, DENR, Energy, General Assembly, NCHouse | Tagged | Comments Off