Report shows wide variances in NC sea-level rise

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — A new 30-year report on sea-level rise shows wide variances along the North Carolina coast, from a possible rise of 4 inches at Southport to more than 12 inches on the northern Outer Banks.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported those numbers are part of a draft report by an advisory science panel for the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission. The commission requested the report after legislators rejected a 2010 study.

The legislators also ordered a moratorium on new regulations related to sea-level rise.

Two sea-level scientists from out of state will review the new draft report. Then the commission chairman is expected to order a study of the economic and environmental costs and benefits of developing coastal regulations based on the sea-level forecast.

Legislators also requested that study.

Information from: The News & Observer, http://www.newsobserver.com

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