A 2012 law that restricts taking into account the latest research in climate science could make North Carolina more vulnerable to Hurricane Florence.
The law banned policy makers from using recent climate science data to plan for sea level rise including things like elevation requirements on new buildings in flood-prone areas. The law was reportedly a response to a 2010 Coastal Resources Commission report that predicted sea levels on the Carolina coast would rise 39 inches by 2100.
The bill required the commission to write a new sea-level-rise report that limited its scope to the next 30 years. It was also required to take into account scientific studies refuting sea level rise, and to weigh the economic cost of limiting coastal development.
Scientists say the law is misguided, and will ultimately hurt the region’s ability to withstand damage from major storms. According to a recent article by a retired Duke University coastal geologist, the state should increase setback lines for coastal development, raise the height of buildings, move threatened buildings, prohibit rebuilding of storm-destroyed buildings, and begin a planned retreat from the rising water line.
Related Stories
| Nov 16, 2012
New ANSI/BIFMA standards developed for educational seating
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has approved the newly developed safety and performance standard for educational seating: ANSI/BIFMA X6.1-2012—the first of its kind.
| Nov 16, 2012
Green building councils in 62 countries expect 60% of their work to be green by 2015
More than half of the respondents to a survey of members of the Green Building Council in 62 countries expect green projects to comprise 60% of their work by 2015.
| Nov 16, 2012
Voters approve fewer construction ballot measures in 2012 than in 2008
Voters passed fewer ballot measures related to construction projects this year than they did in 2008, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America.
| Nov 9, 2012
New ANSI/BIFMA standard adds point for lower formaldehyde emissions
The ANSI/BIFMA e3-2012 Furniture Sustainability Standard now includes an additional point for furniture products that meet a new, lower formaldehyde emissions limit.
| Nov 9, 2012
Higher bar on LEED may not be harder to reach
The U.S. Green Building Council expects to substantially revise LEED next year, requiring builders beginning in 2015 to take new and more-detailed steps to get buildings certified.
| Nov 9, 2012
CSI’s sustainability practice group offers webinar on EPA's WaterSense Program
The Construction Specification Institute’s sustainability practice group is offering a webinar Nov. 20 on EPA’s WaterSense Program, featuring Lynn Gilleland, drinking water specialist with EPA’s New England office.
| Nov 9, 2012
Mayor in Calif. wants to expedite permits for $1B worth of projects
The mayor of San Jose, Calif., plans to issue new construction permits worth an estimated $1 billion in the next six months to spur job creation and create revenue for the city.
| Nov 9, 2012
Jury awards N.Y. roofer $2 million for injuries after construction site fall
A roofing worker from Cortland County, N.Y., has been awarded $2 million in damages due to the injuries he sustained from a 60-foot fall at a dormitory construction site.
