Mike Hughes: Bring back coal ash commission

Regarding the May 29 Point of View “As NC weighs new coal ash commission, here’s what we learned”: This is a critical time for our community and all North Carolinians.

Lawmakers are considering legislation that would strengthen the 2014 Coal Ash Management Act. Those revisions would help make sure decisions to close ash basins throughout the state protect the environment, people’s water supply, our economy and household budgets.

There is broad, bipartisan support in the General Assembly, as well as from community leaders, neighbors, businesses and many environmental advocates.

The proposed legislation would re-establish the Coal Ash Management Commission, which has a vital role in making sure closure decisions are based on sound science and engineering, potential impacts to customers’ bills and disruptive truck and train traffic.

Since 2014, Duke Energy has moved millions of tons of ash to safe, lined disposal sites. We have a lot more work ahead of us in the months and years ahead. There is much at stake. It is important that we get it right.

We hope lawmakers and the governor will continue down a smart path for North Carolina when it comes to deciding how ash basins will be closed and how those plans affect our community and others throughout the state.

This story was originally published May 31, 2016 at 5:46 PM with the headline "Mike Hughes: Bring back coal ash commission."