Senate Commerce Committee thrown for a loop

Senators put the brakes on some legislative sleight of hand that would have effectively stalled the Titan America cement plant in Wilmington.

Members of the Senate Commerce Committee thought they would be considering whether or not to allow people to replace hot water heaters in their homes without getting a permit.

Instead, the Associated Press reports that two coastal legislators inserted language that would force the proposed Titan American plant to undergo a potentially extensive environmental review.

Committee Chairman R.C. Soles said senators were blindsided by the change and postponed action.