McCrory to let NC coal ash regulation become law

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory says he won’t sign new regulations on Duke Energy’s toxic coal ash pits that he’s suggested include an unconstitutional provision.

McCrory said in a statement Tuesday he’ll allow the legislation to become law next week without his approval.

McCrory is required to uphold the state constitution but said last month he will likely sign the coal ash bill and possibly file a lawsuit later challenging one part. That provision lets legislative leaders appoint a majority of the members on a new oversight commission for coal ash removal.

McCrory says he should lead environmental enforcement as the state’s chief executive.

The governor says he’ll seek an advisory opinion from the state Supreme Court, but file a lawsuit if that doesn’t work.

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