On December 2, the North Carolina Senate voted 30-19 to override Governor Cooper’s veto for S.B. 382. The bill will administer an additional $227 million towards disaster relief from the state to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. However, Governor Cooper vetoed the bill calling this legislation a “sham.” Despite the bill’s title (“Disaster Relief”), it “instead violates the constitution by taking appointments away from the incoming Governor to the Board of Elections, Utilities Commission, and Commander of the NC Highway Patrol,” said Cooper.
On environmental issues, the bill allows industrial hog waste producers to receive renewable energy credits for creating biogas facilities in economically disadvantaged tier-one counties. Using hog waste lagoons to generate biogas is bad for our health, bad for our environment, and bad for small farmers. The bill also prohibits the governor from increasing unemployment insurance during emergencies, something Governor Cooper recently did for Helene victims. Overall, S.B. 382 is very concerning; if the House votes to override the governor’s veto, it will become law.
The House is scheduled to vote on the bill next week, possibly as soon as Wednesday morning.
TAKE ACTION>> Contact your House Representative and urge them to SUSTAIN the governor’s veto.
Your voice and action are vital in making a difference, and CleanAIRE NC deeply appreciates your commitment to protecting what connects us.
Your voice and action are vital in making a difference, and CleanAIRE NC deeply appreciates your commitment to protecting what connects us.
