Preparing for the Next Drought
Tuesday, May 20 2008
by Laura Leslie
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A key legislative panel has given approval to a package of proposals dealing with drought. Laura Leslie reports from the state capitol.
The most recent drought may be on its way out, but state lawmakers are looking ahead to the next one. The Environmental Review Commission has approved Governor Easley’s water management package. It would give the state the power to impose mandatory conservation measures in times of drought. The restrictions would apply to private wells, too. It would also require a statewide water supply plan. Franklin Democrat Lucy Allen co-chairs the Commission.
"It’s sorta like people are using sunscreens now instead of staying out in the sun all the time, then years later, regretting it. We need to do the preventive things so we’ll have an adequate water supply so we can support economic development and have sustainable growth for North Carolina."
The drought proposal still has to pass both chambers before it becomes law.
