NC justices hear executive-legislative branch fight in June

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — North Carolina’s highest court plans to hear arguments early this summer on whether the General Assembly can make appointments to three state environmental panels or if those decisions must rest with Gov. Pat McCrory.

The state Supreme Court told lawyers for the governor and legislative leaders to come to its courtroom June 30 for oral arguments.

The order late last week came a day after McCrory’s lawyer asked the Supreme Court to speed up the appeals from the decision of a three-judge panel. Those judges ruled March 16 the legislature erred in giving its leaders authority to make appointments to the new Coal Ash Management Commission, as well as two panels set to begin meeting this year.

The final outcome could affect dozens of state government boards and commissions.

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