NC House to hold public hearing on regulatory reform bill

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – North Carolinians will get a chance to weigh in on new rules included in a sprawling regulatory reform bill in the General Assembly that has drawn criticism from environmental activists.

The House Committee on Environment will hold a public hearing Tuesday on the Regulatory Reform Act of 2015, which passed the House in April when it was less than a page dealing with the transportation of gravel.

The Senate quickly piled on amendments, transforming the bill into a 58-page omnibus package altering regulations on ATVs, discarded electronics and wetland protections, among other reforms. The Senate passed the bill earlier this month, three days after the changes were announced.

If the House rejects changes to the bill, a committee will be set up with the Senate to work out a compromise.

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