NC House approves amendments to water laws

.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – A bill requiring cities to provide water and sewer service to all property owners within their urban growth areas has been approved in the North Carolina House.

Lawmakers voted 66-50 Wednesday to approve the bill after voting to end discussion. It now moves to the Senate.

The measure requires cities provide water and sewer service to all property owners within their urban growth areas. It also delays environmental protections for new developments impacting Jordan Lake for two years.

Supporters of the bill say it protects property owners and prevents municipalities from discriminating. Opponents say it undermines environmental protections and harms city planners.

Democrats again raised objections that the measure was being unfairly rammed through. Republicans dismissed the concerns, and said the impacts are being exaggerated.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)