Petition calls for stricter regulations on land burning
CAPE FEAR, NC (WWAY) — A petition circulating in the Cape Fear region has garnered over 1,000 signatures, urging local lawmakers to implement stricter regulations on the practice of burning land to clear space for development.
The petition, created by Nicholas Newell, aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of land clearing through burning, particularly its effects on air quality.
Newell, a concerned local resident, compares the burning of land to the ongoing issues with PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in the Cape Fear River. “Look at how many decades PFAS were being dumped into the Cape Fear River without any legislation. Now, because we understand the damage it causes, we have regulations. It’s time for the same awareness and action on land-burning,” Newell said.
Newell has personally seen troubling air quality measurements in areas where land burning is common. “When you measure air quality in areas where burning occurs, the levels are several times higher than what the government considers safe,” he explained.
As an alternative to burning, Newell advocates for more sustainable methods of land clearing, such as onsite mulching or being more selective about what is cleared. “You can leave veins of trees or untouched land. It takes more effort and planning, but development shouldn’t come at the expense of our environment,” Newell said.
While Newell isn’t against development, he believes it should be done more responsibly. “I’m not saying stop building, or that you shouldn’t cut down trees. But if there are better, healthier alternatives, why wouldn’t we choose them?” he added.
Representative Deb Butler of District 18 shares Newell’s concerns. “There is responsible development, and then there’s irresponsible development,” Butler said. “Burning compromises air quality and isn’t necessary when there are alternatives. Developers need to be more responsible.”
Butler plans to bring Newell’s petition and his call for stronger regulations to lawyers at the General Assembly.
