Sunnier take on N.C.'s environment

Published April 27, 2015

by Donald van der Vaart, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, published in Charlotte Observer, April 24, 2015.

The recent op-ed “Assault on N.C. Environment” (April 19 Viewpoint) ignores facts and fails to recognize North Carolina’s commitment to bettering our environment. DENR is proud of the policies and modernization that have dramatically improved the quality of life for all North Carolinians. The facts show the author’s assertions are wrong. Here’s why.

North Carolinians breathe cleaner air today than any time in more than 25 years. Ozone levels in North Carolina are the lowest on record and toxic air emissions have decreased by more than 80 percent since 2000 despite a 50 percent growth in population and a two-thirds increase in vehicle miles traveled in the same period.

The water North Carolinians drink is cleaner too. Our state’s public water systems have better compliance with federal drinking water standards over the past few years than at any time since the state regulatory program began in the 1970s.

North Carolina’s environmental health is improving. But what about the claim that DENR’s budget has been reduced dramatically? This ignores the fact that several large programs were moved from DENR to other state agencies. Accounting for the transfers, DENR’s budget is slightly below its pre-recession level and reflects budget cuts initiated by the Democrat-led legislature and Gov. Bev Perdue.

All of Gov. Pat McCrory’s budget proposals and every budget he has signed has increased DENR’s budget from the previous year. We are also using taxpayer money more efficiently.

DENR’s mission is straightforward. DENR’s “primary mission is to protect North Carolina’s environment and natural resources,” and is stated clearly on our website.

The op-ed author, Derb Carter, curiously does not believe customer service should be an integral part of state service. We disagree. We provide excellent customer service to everyone who interacts with our agency.

The author’s assertion that DENR gives polluters a pass is wrong. Look no further than the issue of coal ash. Under McCrory’s leadership, this administration has done more to address coal ash than all of his predecessors combined. In fact, DENR reversed decisions made by prior administrations that exempted utilities from important environmental regulations. Using the blueprint introduced by McCrory, North Carolina now has the nation’s toughest coal ash protections and recently issued a record fine related to groundwater contamination around coal ash ponds.

The author defines environmental success in terms of money spent, restrictions imposed and outdated science. But we recognize that science evolves. Advancements in technology and new information make regulatory review necessary to improve environmental protection and ensure taxpayer money is well spent.

For example, last year DENR scientists used years of modeling and analysis to convince the federal government that the costly seasonal gasoline requirements provided no environmental benefit. The rule was later lifted. As a result, motorists saved an estimated $18 million last summer at the pump.

Similarly, the author relies on his committee service in 1989 as the basis of his opposition to offshore energy development. In the last 25 years, great strides have been made that allow us to safely and economically access our offshore energy potential, and more information is available on how to protect coastal resources and marine life from its impacts. In fact, most North Carolinians support offshore drilling for domestic oil and natural gas resources.

The author used everything from distorting the truth and ignoring science to build his case, but the facts paint a much prettier picture. North Carolina’s environment is healthy and steadily improving, and we are proud of the progress made and confident in our path forward.

The author is right. This is not his state, and it is not my state – it is our state.

Donald R. van der Vaart is the secretary for the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

April 27, 2015 at 8:39 am
Pattie MacKillop says:

OK Mr VanDeVert....let's hear what you have to say about House Bill 795 .....which was introduced April 14. It was given a "hearing" in the Environment Committee yesterday.

I;m thinking this is in DIRECT conflict to your OPED piece in the Charlotte N@O. We would like to hear what you have to say as to WHY gutting a bill that has been on the books for 40" years to protect our environment...just WHY are you getting rid of it????? We're waiting to hear from you....

"With little discussion and no study of the potential consequences, state legislators are looking to GUT an environmental protection law that has been on the books since 1971," the N&O's Craig Jarvis reports.

The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, now dedicated to "environmental assistance and customer service," says the act applies when a project "has a potential detrimental environmental effect upon natural resources, public health and safety, natural beauty, or historical or cultural elements, of the state's common inheritance."

Maybe all that does incur unnecessary costs. But that's the opinion of politicians. You'd think overhauling a 44-year-old law would warrant some study. What do the professionals say?

Who had time?

Was there any opposition? Yes, Molly Diggins, the state director of the Sierra Club.

"The only opponent allowed to speak, Diggins, who said she was also speaking for the Environmental Defense Fund and the N.C. Wildlife Federation, was given one minute and then cut off when she went over the allotted time."

So let's see: No testimony from DENR professionals. One minute from opponents.

The committee approved the bill in a "split voice vote," Jarvis wrote.

It's on the House calendar for a floor vote Monday night.

April 27, 2015 at 10:41 am
Richard L Bunce says:

My observation is that DENR's mission is to hinder private business, private property owners and to expedite whatever nonsensical project local governments can think of no matter how flawed. See the Town of Oak Island Wastewater System.