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'Green' building principles could pay off for convention center
The convention center that opens Friday in downtown Raleigh is a local landmark in energy efficiency.
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Feds warn climate change could harm giant sequoias
Federal researchers are warning that warming temperatures could soon cause California's giant sequoia trees to die off more quickly unless forest managers plan with an eye toward climate change and the impact of a longer, harsher wildfire season.
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Succulents offer value and save water
When Gwen Moore Kelaidis moved into her mountainside home recently, she decided to replace much of the grass in her yard with something attractive, low maintenance, drought tolerant and hardy enough to survive Colorado winters.
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A smaller home can be a big change for retirees
Facing medical concerns, 75-year-old Bill Giesenhagen and his wife moved out of their single-family home near Denver last month and into an apartment in an assisted-living community.
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The complex science of buying light bulbs, at least in North Carolina
How many North Carolinians does it take to buy a light bulb? Millions, thanks to centrally-planned energy efficiency programs.
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TVA to take over security at its nuclear plants
The Tennessee Valley Authority is taking over security at its nuclear power plants.
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Final touches put on Raleigh’s new 'green-friendly' convention center
After six years of planning and three years of construction, the Raleigh Convention Center will open Sept. 5 amid the concerts, parades and crowds of the Raleigh Wide Open weekend festival.
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Punishing rains bring relief to Southeast drought
The punishing rains that drenched the Southeast as Tropical Storm Fay's remnants stormed through provided at least temporary relief from the epic drought gripping the region.
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AAA: Labor Day travel expected to decline
Falling gas prices might not be enough to entice people to travel this Labor Day weekend, with some keeping a wary eye on dangerous Hurricane Gustav, which is threatening the Gulf Coast.
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100 wind turbines, each 300-feet high
Researchers say 100 wind turbines towering 300 feet each 12 miles off of Virginia Beach is a realistic proposal.
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CED picks new Raleigh center as site for Biotech 2009 conference
Quintiles founder, BIO CEO are among scheduled speakers for event, which is set for Feb. 16-17.
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N.C. delegates tour Denver by light rail
The majority of North Carolina delegates will glide home for the night the way they wish they could in the Triangle – by light rail.
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N.C. delegates debate offshore drilling
Democrats are committed to making their week in Denver the greenest convention ever by pushing delegates to recycle and by incorporating alternative sources of energy into events.
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Fay's remnants soak drought-parched South
The remnants of Tropical Storm Fay spread over a wide swath of the South on Monday, bringing heavy rain and wind from Georgia to Louisiana that many hoped would help land parched for months by drought conditions.
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Officials try to stop munching moths on the move
Having nibbled the leaves off 75 million acres of hardwood forest in the Northeast since 1970, European gypsy moths are munching their way across U.S. forests while the even more destructive Asian gypsy moth has been detected in western states.
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Fuel grows in trees? NSCU to explore genetically enhanced trees for ethanol
UniversityTech: Three-year grant worth close to $1 million will fund research into wood as potential alternative feedstock.
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Bicycling becoming more convenient
High gas prices have led to a bicycle boom and a push toward making biking more convenient. Things you never thought you could do on a bike are becoming possible.
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Pittsboro man sells sustainability
Lyle Estill created the Piedmont Biofuels Project, which includes the largest biodiesel co-op in the country.
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Fire in E. Tenn. mountains growing
A wildfire near the North Carolina border continues to grow as rain moves into the mountains.
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Turtles cause frustration among NC fishermen
A record number of sea turtle nests on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore this season has environmentalists rejoicing and fishermen complaining.
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Fay's leftovers soak Southern states
The remnants of Tropical Storm Fay are soaking parts of the Southeast and emergency officials were watching out for potential flooding.
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Tropical Storm not done yet, threatens Gulf cities
APALACHICOLA, Fla. - Fay just won't quit.
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N.C. apple growers say drought might shrink fruit
The lack of rain has resulted in smaller apple sizes in the more than 6,000 acres of orchards in Henderson County, a primary apple producing area.
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Fake grass causing neighborhood flap
Les Bernstein may have the greenest yard in Raleigh's Falls River neighborhood, but his water-saving artificial grass is stirring up trouble between him and his homeowners association.
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Recycling goes uncollected on hot days
Green recycling bins in some Raleigh neighborhoods have been sitting by the curb for one to two days after the scheduled collection days in recent weeks.
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Secret to green grass may be the pH
Consumer Reports suggests people have pH testing done by a local cooperative extension, a private lab or a lawn-care service. If their soil pH is acidic, lime will need to be put down.
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Gas pumps protect credit data with new device
The BP service station, at 531 Barber Mill Road and N.C. Highway 42, began using the Secure PumpPay system on its eight pumps in April, according to John Strickland, president of Wayne Oil and owner of the Clayton BP.
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Chinese herbal researcher named to top post at UNCG Kannapolis center
Herbal and traditional Chinese medicines will play a key role in the research conducted by the Center for Research Excellence in Bioactive Food Components at the N.C. Research Campus.
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For the future of biodiesel, Chevron and Shell might be on the right track
A red flag for ethanol? Furanics, while not actually identical to biodiesel, might as well be – they burn quite well in diesel engines.
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Durham County commissioners vote against bio-lab
The Durham County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 Monday evening against a proposed federal research lab in Butner.
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Farm, Harnett County at odds over sewer line
Environmental concerns have snagged plans for new sewer service to Fort Bragg and southern Harnett County.
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N.C. offers to sell Butner sites for proposed bio-lab for $1
Internal Department of Homeland Security document shows North Carolina ranks first among finalists under consideration for $451 million National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility.
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Butner pulls support for bio-lab
The Town Council voted unanimously Thursday to withdraw its support for a proposed federal research lab, which has become the target of growing opposition from residents and neighboring communities.
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Duke Energy to turn Durham landfill gas into power
Utility signs 20-year contract with Methane Power. Methane to produce electricity equivalent to that needed for 1,600 residential users, company says.
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Get the best mower for your green
Handling and evenly cut grass are important factors to consider when buying a lawn mower.
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Bio-lab faces growing opposition; Homeland Security says message 'received'
Growing opposition to a proposed bio-defense lab in Granville County may end its chances of ending up there. 'Your message has been received and the message has been that you don't support us coming here,' federal spokesperson says.
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More than 500,000 fish die in kill in Neuse River
State officials say more than 500,000 fish died in the Neuse River near New Bern because of a lack oxygen likely caused by hot, still conditions.
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Less red means more green for Raleigh drivers
City crews are adjusting the timing on traffic lights along some major thoroughfares to help traffic move more smoothly, which saves gas and cuts emissions.
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Sampson Co. takes steps toward new power plant
Sampson County Commissioners voted Monday to rezone a property that could yield new industrial jobs for the county.
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Falls Lake level up, water demand down
Falls Lake is almost 2½ feet higher than it was a year ago, while demand across the municipal water system has dropped from last year, officials said Tuesday.
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N.C. air quality improves
The number and intensity of high ozone days caused by heat and pollution has steadily declined over the past decade, state scientists said Tuesday.
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Masonboro Island land designated for preservation
The state has purchased 23.3 acres on Masonboro Island for preservation, paying private land owners almost $90,000.
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Easley signs drought response bill
Although state officials now have more power to respond to droughts, the head of Raleigh's water system says the new law doesn't go far enough.
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Hurricanes feed environmental fears about hog lagoons
North Carolina has more than 3,000 hog lagoons. Opponents say the lagoons foul up the air and water supply. In protest, they started a 51-hour vigil Tuesday to raise awareness about what they say is an environmental disaster waiting to happen.
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New EPA air-quality rules spell changes for N.C.
New ozone standards could have state regulators issuing more air-quality warnings. But that doesn't necessarily mean pollutions gotten worse, state officials say.
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Opponents: Duke Energy's 'Save-a-Watt' program no bright idea
Energy companies earn less money when customers are energy-efficient. To make up for the lost revenue, Duke Energy is proposing charging its 1.8 million customers a 98-cent monthly fee.
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UPS saving money, fuel just by turning right
Last year, the delivery company saved 3 million gallons of gas nationwide and shaved 30 million miles off its delivery routes by reconfiguring its routes to turn right as often as possible.
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Wildfire hot spots continue
Despite receiving four days of rain this week, isolated hot spots and heat sources continue to exist at the site of a large wildfire that consumed more than 40,000 acres, state forestry officials said Saturday.
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Gas prices averaging under $4 a gallon
Statewide, the cost of gas has fallen even lower, under $3.95 a gallon. Oil and gas prices are both down from all-time highs earlier this month.
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Fayetteville building 'green' customer service center
The Fayetteville Public Works Commission broke ground Wednesday for a new, environmentally-friendly customer service center on Old Wilmington Road.
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Family seeks county's OK to make their own ethanol
Rising prices at the gas pump are forcing people to find alternative ways to fill up their fuel tanks. A Granville County man says his solution is simple: when you can't afford to buy fuel, make it yourself.
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Green party candidate files petition in Durham
Cynthia McKinney, the Green Party nominee for president brought her campaign to Durham Tuesday.
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Triangle nonprofit gets old bikes rolling again
High gas prices are fueling interest in a unique Triangle bicycle program. ReCYCLEry takes old bikes and makes them new again.
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Wildfire burns on, despite storm, flooded canals
Firefighters have tapped into new water sources to put out a wildfire in eastern North Carolina, which Tropical Storm Cristobal failed to dampen.
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Tropical storm's winds could hinder wildfire efforts
Officials fighting a wildfire that has burned thousands of acres in eastern North Carolina had hoped Tropical Storm Cristobal would bring heavy rain before moving away from shore.
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Tropical Storm Dolly forms in western Caribbean
Tropical Storm Dolly has formed in the western Caribbean sea.
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Storm's slow progress soaks N.C. coast
Tropical Storm Christobal is expected to continue a slow drift to the north and east, Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel said. The Triangle could see widely scattered showers Sunday afternoon and evening.
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Open burning ban lifted
The N.C. Division of Forest Resources is lifting its ban on open burning in several counties in response to recent rain in the state.The bans are canceled as of noon Saturday.
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Tropical Storm warnings lifted
Tropical Storm Cristobal headed for the open Atlantic late Sunday as forecasters discontinued tropical storm warnings along North Carolina.
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Tropical storm threatens N.C. coast
Before dark clouds and rolled in Saturday, beach-goers enjoyed high surf and bits of sunshine along the North Carolina coast, as the first named tropical storm to threaten the U.S. moved north from South Carolina.
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Push to preserve water resources could hurt development
The state has given Raleigh four months to change the zoning of the watershed near the old Burlington Mills plant off Capital Boulevard to protect the water supply, which some say could make future property additions more difficult.
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Coastal N.C. under tropical storm warning
The first bands from a tropical depression rolled over central North Carolina Friday evening, and more rain is expected on Saturday and Sunday.
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Tropical disturbance to bring weekend rain
The system will skirt the coast on Saturday and Sunday causing showers and some thunderstorms in the state. The most widespread chance of rain will be closer to the coast and east of Interstate 95.
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Hazardous gas leak cleared in Kenly
A faulty valve on a tanker truck hauling a hazardous gas was repaired Wednesday afternoon. The valve caused a leak that led to the evacuation of several homes and businesses in Kenly.
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Intake plant wouldn't help Raleigh in dry conditions
It could be another water source for Raleigh or its surrounding communities, but city officials say it wouldn't help in dry conditions.
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Scrap-metal recycling grows as economy shrinks
Bicycles, pots and even toaster ovens can be sources of income in a faltering economy, patrons of scrap-metal recycling plants have discovered.
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N.C. drivers going thousands of fewer miles
The number of miles driven by North Carolinians dropped by several hundred thousand in March and April, compared to the same month a year before.
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Rented bees are all the buzz on produce farms
Many farmers are forced to buy or rent bees for their land. Bee experts say disease and predators are partly to blame for the bee shortage.
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Businesses give away gas cards
Even a local church is getting involved. Southbridge Fellowship recently gave away $4,000 worth of free gas.
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Fuel for biofuels? Try carbon dioxide
VentureBeat: SequesCO combines CO2 sequestration with biofuel production.
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Republican state senators call for domestic drilling
The Republican Senate Caucus's plan includes exploration and drilling for oil and natural gas 45 to 100 miles off the North Carolina coast.
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Firefighters make 'some progress' in wildfire battle
The wildfire has burned 41,534 acres in and around the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Peat soil continues to burn down to an average depth of three feet, officials said.
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State urges people to bag fireworks
Wildfire observers want North Carolina residents to ditch their personal fireworks this year in favor of public Fourth of July displays. Read the story for area celebration ideas!
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Gas prices drive Triangle Transit ridership to new high
The June passenger count was an all-time record of 97,712 and was up more than 30 percent from a year ago.
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Higher gas prices fuel interest in motorcycle riding
As fuel prices keep climbing, people are steering towards something smaller and more open. Motorcycle safety classes are filling up, as folks opt to roll on two wheels – rather than four.
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Questionable trips produced uneven recycling results
Fired Wake County recycling director Craig Wittig said his travel was tied to efforts to improve the local program, but little gains have been made.
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Air quality improves near eastern N.C. wildfire
A shift in the wind and a change in the weather has reduced the smoke filling the air over Currituck, Dare, Hyde and Tyrrell counties.
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Wildfire smoke to clog skies, lungs through holiday weekend
Two wildfires burning in the rural areas of eastern North Carolina are raising air quality warnings for holiday weekend travelers. Some unhealthy air could spread as far as Kill Devil Hills.
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Wildfire creates unhealthy air in 9 eastern counties
Code Red or Purple conditions are forecast for Wednesday in all or part of these counties: Camden, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington counties.
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This dog is so cute; he’ll even buy your gas
The SPCA of Wake County said they are seeing a 14 percent increase in animals being given up. To help more pets get homes, the shelter is offering gas cards to people who adopt.
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Tiered rates in effect for Durham water customers
Starting July 1, Durham water customers who use more water will pay more per unit than those that conserve.
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Chapel Hill Transit awarded for green effects
Chapel Hill's free public transportation system has been honored as an innovative way to increase energy efficiency and to help curb global warming.
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McCrory backs offshore drilling
Republican gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory said Monday that he would issue an executive order allowing for deep-sea oil exploration and drilling off the North Carolina coast.
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Businesses get $1M for green technologies
Thirteen companies have won inaugural grants of up to $100,000 from the North Carolina Green Business Fund.
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Fewer North Carolinians to travel for Independence Day
AAA officials think the decrease in travelers is due to record-high gas prices – up $1.10 since July 4, 2007.
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Thick atmosphere sparks air-quality warning, maybe storms
High ozone levels are predicted for the Triangle on Friday. The hot, stagnant atmosphere could also create afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
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Boil water advisory lifted for Greenville
Greenville Utilities has lifted a boil-water order for most of its service area, but officials say the cause of the contamination that led to the advisory may never be known.
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Dole now supports lifting ban on offshore drilling
Sen. Elizabeth Dole said North Carolina should have the option of allowing oil exploration off the state's coast, backing away from her long-held support of a federal moratorium on Atlantic drilling.
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Water contamination shuts down Greenville restaurants
Traces of fecal coliform were found in water samples on Wednesday, prompting the closure, utility officials said.
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Make a friend, save on gas with carpool
The national average is about $4.06 for a gallon of regular unleaded gas. With prices this high, more people want to carpool. However, finding someone to drive with is easier said than done.
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SAS adds solar power to local energy
The world’s largest privately held software firm will build a solar power grid covering five acres at its headquarters in Cary.
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N.C. Air Guard C-130s to help fight Calif. wildfires
Two planes from the 145th Airlift Wing are equipped to carry fire retardant chemicals to the fire lines near Sacramento, Calif.
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Watch your mail – Natural gas bill may be going up again
SNC asks for a 15% increase, citing increased costs. Rates went up 16% as of June 1.
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Tomato sales up at state Farmer's Market
Tomatoes grown in North Carolina have been cleared by the Food & Drug Administration as being safe to eat.
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N.C. is drying out again
Summer begins Friday, and it's shaping up to be dry. Drought is once again setting in across North Carolina.
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Smoke from wildfire again clouds coastal skies
The state Division of Air Quality forecast unhealthy conditions for Tyrrell, Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank, Camden and Currituck counties.
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Bush urges Congress to lift offshore drilling ban
With gasoline topping $4 a gallon, drilling for oil off North Carolina's coast is becoming a campaign issue for U.S. Senate and gubernatorial candidates.
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Fewer firefighters work wildfire in eastern N.C.
Firefighters are still working to extinguish a wildfire that's burned more than 41,000 acres in eastern North Carolina, but there are signs that the effort is less intense than it once was.
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Durham tests hybrid buses
The Durham Area Transit Authority plans to buy 20 hybrid buses over the next year. Some of them are being tested on city routes this week.
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Firefighters gain ground in battle with wildfire
Officials said the fire in and around the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is now about 60 percent contained. That's up from the 40 percent of the past several days, but officials caution it could burn for weeks without heavy rains.
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Vigil takes aim at hog waste lagoons
North Carolina has more than 3,000 hog lagoons. Opponents say the lagoons foul up the air and water supply. In protest, they started a 51-hour vigil Tuesday to raise awareness about what they say is an environmental disaster waiting to happen.
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More people are pumping without paying
In Raleigh, 58 reports of gas drive-offs were reported this year. In response, a police spokesperson said many gas stations are requiring customers to pay before pumping, but not every station has that technology.
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Gas cards, rebates used to get customers on car lots
Rebates and offers of free or reduced-price gas comes with various restrictions but are luring some customers to car dealerships.
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N.C. wildfire creates visibility, health concerns
Unhealthy smoke from an eastern North Carolina wildfire has become so thick that it is causing visibility problems in the area around the blaze, officials said Sunday.
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2 Falls Lake swimming areas remain closed due to bacteria
Signs and caution tape told people to stay out of the water at the Beaverdam and Holly Point access areas until tests show the water is OK.
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Eastern N.C. under highest air-quality warning
A Code Purple air alert went up as 530 workers used about 100 air and ground machines to fight a stubborn wildfire that started June 1. The alert included Edenton, Elizabeth City, Greenville, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Washington and Wilson.
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Fuel prices forcing businesses to change operations
Business owners say they are having to turn away customers because it's no longer profitable for them to do business.
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Smoke from N.C. wildfire sparking health concerns
As the smoky layer from an eastern North Carolina wildfire settles more densely over the Triangle, it is putting sensitive people at higher risk for health problems.
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Wildfire forces evacuations, emergency harvests
Dozens of Hyde County residents have been forced to flee their homes, and farmers are hurriedly harvesting wheat as a wildfire continues to spread.
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Wake Tech goes 'green,' gets award
Wake Technical Community College has received the 2008 Innovation of the Year Award for going “green.”
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Gas hits national average of $4 for first time
Gas prices rose overnight Saturday to top a $4-per-gallon nationwide average for the first time.
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Wildfire smoke, odor reach Triangle
A shift in wind direction brought the smell of an eastern North Carolina wildfire to the skies above Raleigh, Durham and Greensboro, state forest officials said.
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Early season heat wave sets records across NC
Poor air quality will accompany record-breaking heat as temperatures are expected to rise into the 90s for the fifth straight day – and triple digits for the second.
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Eastern N.C. wildfire grows to 20,500 acres
A wildfire that started on a wildlife refuge in rural eastern North Carolina and burned into privately owned rural land doubled in size Thursday.
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Community farms bring local produce to shareholders
Community Supported Agriculture is growing in popularity across the state. Folks support a local farm by paying in advance for weekly drop-offs of produce.
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Record heat continues, but 'cool' is coming
Sweltering temperatures blanketed the state Monday, as temperatures reached into the upper 90s and topped 100 degrees in many places.
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Recreational fishing license sales take dip
Recreational fishing license sales are sinking, down about 40 percent from 2007. The decline affects tackle shops, hotels, marinas and tourism along the North Carolina coast.
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Gas station owners not pumped about higher prices
Paying fees to process credit card purchases means some stations lose money on every gallon they sell.
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State’s car operation taking a hit from rising gas prices
High oil and gas prices are hiking the price of operating the state's vehicle fleet, and that is being passed on to more than 100 state agencies and universities that use its cars.
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Maryland firm building solar power farm near Charlotte raises $131M
VentureBeat: SunEdison also secures $30M in debt to help finance expansion plans
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Durham libraries offer recycling bins
Green bins for the materials are available at North Regional Library, 221 Milton Road, and East Regional Library, 211 Lick Creek Lane.
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Pump prices ease sticker shock for hybrids
A hybrid costs about $3,000 to $6,000 more than a comparable gas-powered vehicle. With gas prices closing in on $4 a gallon, dealers said hybrid buyers can recoup the difference in a few years because of better fuel economy.
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Station's pumps don't like rising gas prices
One area gas station has stopped selling mid-grade and premium fuel because prices have outpaced its pumps.
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Gas prices cut allure of beach weekend
As Memorial Day weekend – and the summer vacation season – got under way Friday, gas prices inching closer to $4 a gallon made trips to North Carolina beaches harder on the pocketbooks of vacationers.
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Municipalities cut back to fuel vehicles
There is talk that gas prices could rise even more by the end of next year, and that's a worrisome prospect if you're a local-government manager who has to keep a fleet on the road.
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Triangle remains 'abnormally dry'
Heavy rains last weekend continued to push North Carolina's drought to the west, according to a report issued Thursday.
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Motorists get free gas
More than 150 motorists camped out overnight to get in line for a free $40 pre-paid gas card. The high gas prices have left some people sacrificing summer fun.
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Building ethical business environment is essential for successful investment
Angel Connection: In an ethical environment, employees and business partners understand that ethical behavior is the means by which business success is achieved.
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CFL: A Bright Idea for Going Green
So you want to go green but aren’t sure how to take that first step without cleaning out your wallet in the process?
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Sustainable Flooring: Bamboo and Cork
Simply put, sustainable flooring is a material that doesn’t deplete natural resources when harvested.
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State lawmaker calls for gas tax holiday
Presidential candidates have debated temporarily suspending the federal gas tax. Now, state lawmakers are looking at a gas tax holiday this summer.
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Ocean Isle named Best Restored Beach
Ocean Isle Beach earned national recognition Monday for improvements made since Hurricane Hugo's devastating blow in 1989.
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Raleigh waits on Army before banning ammo at scrap plants
Three months after a load of unexploded ordnance wound up at a Raleigh scrap-metals plant, city officials continue to study possible limits on what materials such plants can accept.
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Science & Math students win national science competition
Students from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics won first place for their age group in in one the world's largest K-12 science and technology competitions.
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Raleigh moving forward with recycled water project
A City Council committee has voted to proceed with planned project to build a 17-mile pipeline that would allow some municipal water customers to use treated wastewater for outdoor irrigation.
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Diesel prices fuel restaurant layoffs
A popular seafood restaurant has gone self-serve to cut costs as rising fuel prices continue to eat up its profits.
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Meeker: Raleigh will warn people about PCBs in streams
Mayor Charles Meeker said Wednesday that the city would find a way to warn people about the presence of cancer-causing chemicals in Walnut Creek and Rocky Branch Creek.
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3 arrested in oil spill at Halifax bird sanctuary
Deputies said David Alston, Anthony Daye and Billy Ray Dickens were trying to get scrap metal from oil tankers at a nearby lumber mill when the leak happened.
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Bus ridership grows along with gas prices
Gas prices shot to a new record over $3.73 a gallon Tuesday, and their advance shows little sign of slowing with Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the summer driving season, just 10 days away.
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PCBs contaminate Walnut, Rocky Branch creeks
Cancer-causing chemicals have been found in two Raleigh waterways, posing a health hazard to people who eat fish caught in them.
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Cleanup continues at Halifax bird sanctuary
Investigators still are not sure how the oil was spilled from two abandoned tankers but have questioned three people about the spill.
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Relief in sight for state's drought-afflicted farmers
A $6 million grant is helping farmers across the state recover from the drought.
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Oil spill threatens bird sanctuary
Oil leaking from two tankers has flowed into the Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park, authorities said.
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Refugees, living in Raleigh, await word on Myanmar relatives
Myanmar natives, living in the Triangle, are awaiting word on whether their loved ones are alive after Cyclone Nargis struck the country.
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Duke trustees approve steam plant renovation
The Duke University Board of Trustees on Saturday approved a $20 million renovation of the 1929 steam plant on Campus Drive, which will give the university and medical center more steam-producing capacity and provide a cleaner-burning alternative to coal.
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Biofuels research could mean billions for state's economy
North Carolina will spend $5 million a year to fund a new research facility in an effort to have a tenth of the state's liquid fuel be locally produced biofuels by 2017.
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People turn pedals to save money on commute
The rising cost of gas is fueling a boom in bicycle sales as more Triangle commuters look to pedal away from the pump.
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In fashion, going green is the new black
There's a new trend in fashion, and it's all about going green. More and more designers are using non-toxic dyes and fabrics produced without the use of pesticides.
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Closed areas along Outer Banks upset vacationers, fishermen
The closures of some popular fishing spots to vehicular and foot traffic is affecting business and tourism at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, but officials say they're bound by a recent legal settlement.
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Gas prices' impact deeper for state roads, farmers
Rising fuel prices cost the state Department of Transportation about $20 million last year, and local farmers are apprehensive about having to cut production and raise prices.
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Energy companies include nukes in response to growth
Progress Energy has applied for two new reactors at Shearon Harris, and N.C. State says more students are choosing a nuclear engineering major.
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Panel calls for delay in Raleigh's recycled water plans
A City Council committee on Wednesday recommended delaying a planned project to build a 17-mile pipeline that would allow some municipal water customers to use treated wastewater for outdoor irrigation.
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Taylortown digs into budget to remove buried houses
The state ordered Taylortown to dig up more than a dozen houses that were illegally buried or face a $15,000 daily fine.
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Pioneering alternative fuel station closes
The state's first all-alternative fuel station has shut off its pumps.
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Earth Day 2008
Raleigh and Durham celebrated upcoming Earth Day on Saturday, April 19, 2008.
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Beach driving debate draws environmental interest
Innovation Exchange: Readers weigh in on battle to limit access to Outer Banks.
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Season's first ozone alert in effect Friday
State air-quality officials have issued the first Code Orange alert of 2008 for the Triangle, Fayetteville and Charlotte areas for Friday.
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Beach-driving lawsuit reaches proposed settlement
Lawyers for environmental groups say they've reached an agreement in principle to settle a lawsuit over beach driving in parts of the Outer Banks.
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Air quality standards higher this Summer
"Ozone season" begins earlier this year when the state Division of Air Quality resumes daily forecasts for pollutants on April 15.
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Where there’s a wheel, there’s a way to biker friendly roads
With gas prices inching higher and higher, more Raleigh cyclists are hitting the pavement. The city's roads, however, are not that bicycle friendly.
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Higher fuel prices extend pain beyond pump
Rising costs for food and services can be linked back to record gasoline prices.
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State again lifts burning ban
The state Division of Forest Resources on Monday lifted its ban on open burning across North Carolina.
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State brings back ban on outdoor burning
Dry, windy conditions led the state to ban outdoor burning as of Thursday at noon.
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Gas stations not pumped about E85
With gasoline prices at record levels, many drivers are searching for cheaper alternatives. But at least one option is hard to come by in the Triangle.
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Kitty Hawk home known for being green
Recent rain has done wonders for Triangle rivers and lakes. But the drought has some people finding ways to put to use the rain that falls at their homes.
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Boaters try to keep afloat with high gas prices
Rising gas prices are hitting boaters hard this spring. The national average price for gasoline rose 7 cents over the last two weeks, according to the Lundberg Survey.
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Gas prices remain near record
If your Easter weekend plans include travel in the Triangle, you can expect to pay about $3.26 per gallon for gas.
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Church gives back to environment for Lent
United Church of Chapel Hill focused on reducing carbon usage for lent this year.
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Poll: N.C. residents want mass transit, not expense
State residents would love to have regional rail systems and other mass transit options – they just don't like the idea of paying for it. Elon University's survey also finds most people satisfied with the state DOT.
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Nuclear power plant engineering firm picks S.C. for 400-job operation
Operation will be 'new hub for our commercial nuclear business,' says URS executive.
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More people take the bus
The Triangle Transit Authority says ridership was up 13 percent in February from a year ago.
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N.C. makes ‘green’ available for green entrepreneurs
The Angel Connection: Department of Commerce initiative will provide grants to companies seeking to build environmentally friendly products, services.
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Lenovo goes ‘green,’ small and quiet with new desktop PC
ThinkCenter ‘Eco’ is smaller than a phone book, receives environmental certification and includes recycled materials.
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CFLs save money, but require caution for disposal
The presence of mercury in compact-fluorescent light bulbs creates some safety concerns that consumers should be aware of before they make the switch.
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Going green produces billions as in dollar$
Cleantech investment in 2007 up 43 percent, tops $3 billion, says Dow Jones survey.
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Gas companies want to raise rates
PSNC, which serves the Triangle and Piedmont Natural Gas have both informed the state they will apply for a rate increase.
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N.C. offers $1M in grants for ‘green,’ alternative energy technology
State program targets small companies; grants can be as much as $100,000.
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RTI-lead team receives up to $2M for biofuels project
Department of Energy funds to boost joint project involving RTI, NCSU, University of Utah. Golden LEAF also provides funding.
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Orange county bans open burning
Authorities in Orange County on Friday reinstituted an outdoor burning ban.
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After fiery weekend, Easley reinstates burn ban statewide
Gov. Mike Easley is reinstating the statewide burning ban, effective at noon Thursday, due to drought and the upcoming spring fire season.
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Cree to buy LED lighting fixtures in $77M deal; price could top $100M
LLF, a Morrisville-based startup focused on light emitting diode fixtures and technology, was founded by executives who helped start Cree. Deal also includes up to additional $26.4M over three years.
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Regional mass transit system inches closer to reality
Leaders from six area counties agreed on Monday to a long-term plan to help balance growth with area transportation needs.
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Progress Energy hopes to expand nuclear plant
Progress Energy wants to build two new reactors at its Shearon Harris site to accommodate growth, but some argue that is precisely what Wake County does not need.
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Triangle home builders go green
The home builders' associations in four Triangle counties have pooled their resources to encourage building environmentally friendly houses.
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Recycled water could keep new homes flowing in drought
Developers would use treated wastewater to prepare new home sites if the ongoing drought forces Raleigh to impose tougher restrictions on water use, according to a proposal made to city officials Monday.
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Public transit works in Charlotte, Triangle leaders learn
Creating a 21st-century vision for growth is what dozens of Raleigh leaders had in mind during a visit this week to Charlotte to learn about what it takes to successfully create and build a mass-transit system.
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Panel: sales tax could pay for regional transit
A half-cent sales tax could ease traffic congestion across the Triangle in the future, a transportation group said Friday.
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State’s Biofuels Center opens in Oxford
Several staff positions have been filled for $5M effort funded by General Assembly.
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State to temporarily lift open burning ban
The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Bill Ross is expected to temporarily lift the ban on open burning for all 100 countiesWednesday.
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Raleigh business owner invests big bucks to save water
How far would you go to conserve water and keep a green lawn at the same time? One Raleigh home and business owner knew his answer to that question: Spend tens of thousands of dollars, and dig a big canyon.
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'Keep N.C. Clean and Green' not always obeyed
All over the state, signs read: "Keep North Carolina Clean and Green," but not everyone heeds the slogan.
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'Controversial' landfill opens in Holly Springs
The South Wake Landfill in Holly Springs opened Thursday, and some residents said they worry it will trash their town.
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New Wake landfill to open next month
The South Wake Landfill in Holly Springs will open on Thursday, Feb. 7, Wake County officials said Friday.
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NRC recommends Nuke Plant license renewal
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff has determined no environmental impacts would preclude renewing the operating license for the Shearon Harris nuclear power plant.
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Ethanol plant to rise on Raeford corn field
100 permanent jobs are part of the benefit Hoke County hopes to reap from construction of the state's first ethanol plant.
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Progress Energy spells out strategy to reduce energy demand
If users participate, programs could save equivalent of 12 conventional power plants a year, company says.
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Plans approved to expand Person County landfill
Person County leaders approved plans to expand a landfill Monday night.
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Cree stock lights up on news of lighting company buy, strong analyst report
Philips makes $2.7 billion bid for U.S. lighting manufacturer as part of push to expand market for energy-saving bulbs such as LEDs. Cree is a top LED manufacturer, and analyst praises firm in report.
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Raleigh plugs into fuel efficiency
City officials on Tuesday unveiled a plug-in hybrid car that they said should help meet a goal of cutting fossil fuel consumption in municipal government by 20 percent.
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New Triangle consortium to focus on energy
Duke, NCSU, UNC, RTI International team up for variety of energy challenges.
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Clemson, consortium to build biofuels pilot plant
Facility, which will test use of switchgrass for cellulosic ethanol, will be in North Charleston.
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Cree follows customer examples, will go with LED lighting
Tests show LEDs save 48% in energy consumption over other types of light, Cree says.
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Study: clearer focus of aid in third world countries can save lives
A new study is the first to measure the impact that pollution and poor nutrition play in the deaths of million of children of developing countries. Researchers say improvements in certain areas could save many lives.
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N.C. State fair goes green
The North Carolina State Fair has gone green. The lights, rides and games are being powered by an alternative fuel.
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Easley urges more water conservation, orders ban on open burning
Gov. Mike Easley on Monday called for further cutbacks in water consumption by every North Carolinian to conserve limited water supplies that he said will likely continue to shrink in the coming months.
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Wilmington may land 900 nuclear power jobs, $900M in plant expansion
UPDATE: GE-Hitachi Nuclear could land local incentive package on Monday. No announcement from state was made at Department of Commerce on Friday
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Compact fluorescent light bulbs save you money
Compact fluorescent light bulbs are designed to save energy and money on your power bill.
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Mass transit could help ease air pollution
Mass transit could be an answer to help improve the Triangle's air quality.
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Saving power: Progress Energy, Home Depot to offer discounted energy-saving bulbs
Plan to sell promote compact fluorescent light bulbs wins Utility Commission approval.
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Study: Raleigh needs more public transit
In 2005, Raleigh commuters wasted more than 18 million hours of additional time on the roads and more than 11 million gallons of additional gas due to traffic congestion.
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N.C. on cutting edge of biofuels research
The Biofuels Center of North Carolina just put together its strategic plan to lead the state's efforts to ramp up production of alternative fuel.
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Fueling up for launch: Biofuels Center of North Carolina board has first meeting
Funded by $5 million from General Assembly, the center is to help build a statewide industry around alternative fuels.
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Code Orange health notice issued
State air quality officials issued a code Orange warning Tuesday, urging people sensitive to air pollution to limit outside activities.
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Progress Energy fined over cheating nuke plant guards
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Thursday proposed a $65,000 fine against Progress Energy after security guards at Shearon Harris cheated on a required test.
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Federal loan OK'd for Hoke ethanol plant
A $35 million federal loan has been approved to help launch an ethanol plant in Hoke County.
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Va. ethanol plant debate could affect N.C.
A heated debate just north of the state border in Virginia could impact North Carolina. A bioenergy company wants to build an ethanol plant in Mecklenburg County, but some are worried about pollution they say might end up in Kerr Lake.
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Wake County testing hybrid school bus
The Wake County School System is one of 19 districts in the nation testing a new school bus on the cutting edge of driving technology.
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Commissioners consider expanding landfill in Person County
An expansion to a landfill in Person County is getting fresh impetus as county commissioners are scheduled to discuss the proposal Monday night.
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Tougher landfill, renewable energy rules approved
As they scrambled to finish their business for the year, lawmakers on Thursday approved tougher restrictions on landfills and a bill requiring utilities to get more energy from renewable resources.
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Businesses push to end landfill moratorium
A moratorium on opening new landfills in eastern North Carolina expires Tuesday, and environmentalists and business interests are locked in a battle over legislation to extend it.
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Report: Person County plant among nation's dirtiest
Progress Energy's power plant in Person County is among the 50 dirtiest plants nationwide, according to a report released Thursday by an environmental group.
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Lawmakers consider renewable energy bill
Power companies and environmentalists disagree on the merits of an energy bill before the state Legislature, but both sides warn it could affect electric rates.
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Efforts under way to remove styrofoam on coast
Crews are hard at work Friday cleaning up styrofoam strewn across miles of the North Carolina coast.
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Many oppose landfill expansion, despite economic gain
Those opposed to a proposed landfill expansion in Person County said Tuesday they would rather pay more taxes than see the amount of garbage brought to the area nearly tripled.
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Biofuels research center in Durham's tank
An Alabama-based scientific research center said Wednesday it would open an alternative fuels development center in Durham County.
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Raleigh environmental board devises fuel-saving plans
The City Council may vote Tuesday on a plan to try to cut fuel consumption by 20 percent.
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Fayetteville landfill fined for emissions
Cumberland County must pay more than $71,000 for not controlling gas from rotting garbage.
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Debate continues over hog farms' impact on N.C. rivers
North Carolina's $7 billion pork industry has to balance business against the environmental threat of large-scale hog farms. A non-profit group believes the scales are tipping toward disaster.
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Utility looks at taking a 'pig' step toward new fuel
How many hogs does it take to light a light bulb?
| Normal: 73.47 inches | |
| Actual: 68.91 inches | |
| Deficit: | 4.56 inches |