Photo: Solstice Moon
June 20, 2016
Luna was spectacular this evening, wasn’t she? A full moon on the first day of summer. (David Boraks photo) … More Photo: Solstice Moon
Category: Environment
Trying out an ELF, a solar battery assisted bicycle | WFAE
May 18, 2016
On Davidson Town Day May 7, I had a chance to take the town’s ELF for a spin. That’s E-L-F for electric, light and fun, three words that describe the three-wheeled vehicles made by Organic Transit in Durham. These sleek, recumbent bicycles — the kind you sit down to ride – come with pedals, handlebars and … More Trying out an ELF, a solar battery assisted bicycle | WFAE
With Model 3 on the way, Tesla faces a roadblock from other dealers | WFAE
May 6, 2016
Tesla wants to sell electric cars from its showroom in Matthews. But dealers have exercised their right under state law to challenge its dealer application. They duked it out at a 2-day hearing in Matthews this week. There’s a lot at stake here. Here’s my coverage on WFAE, including comments from environmentalist/race car driver Leilani … More With Model 3 on the way, Tesla faces a roadblock from other dealers | WFAE
Mt. Mitchell was just the start for NC parks, now 100 years old | WFAE
April 28, 2016
Early environmentalists had some clout. A century ago, state lawmakers designated Mount Mitchell as North Carolina’s first state park. That came after citizens and officials grew worried about increased logging near the peak. Since then, the state park system has grown to 75 protected parks, lakes, beaches, and other natural areas. In my latest feature … More Mt. Mitchell was just the start for NC parks, now 100 years old | WFAE
How Union County Uses An Ice Pig To Keep Water Pipes Clear | WFAE
March 10, 2016
It takes a lot to keep a water system healthy. In Union County this month, public works employees have been cleaning the water mains using an unusual process called “ice pigging.” I went to see how it works. Listen to my report on WFAE.org March 10, 2016, WFAE.org, How Union County Uses An Ice Pig … More How Union County Uses An Ice Pig To Keep Water Pipes Clear | WFAE
Clean Power Plan On Hold, But Environmentalists Optimistic | WFAE
February 10, 2016
Environmentalists are disappointed over the Supreme Court’s decision Tuesday to put the EPA’s Clean Power Plan on hold. But they say it won’t slow progress toward eliminating coal from the power supply. Here’s my report on WFAE. Feb. 10, 2016, WFAE.org, “Clean Power Plan On Hold, But Environmentalists Optimistic“
Coal Ash Is Moving, But Landfill Neighbors Fight Back | WFAE
February 10, 2016
Two years ago, 39,000 tons of coal ash spilled near Duke Energy’s Dan River plant in Eden, North Carolina. That prompted new state rules and forced Duke to speed coal ash cleanups there and at other old coal plants, including Riverbend near Charlotte. Some environmentalists support Duke’s approach, while others are fighting it. I’ve been visiting … More Coal Ash Is Moving, But Landfill Neighbors Fight Back | WFAE
Land Trusts Say Permanent Tax Incentives Will Spur Conservation | WFAE
December 23, 2015
For those interested in open space preservation, here’s a story I produced this week on WFAE: Congress last week approved a bill that makes tax incentives permanent for agreements that conserve land and preserve open space. Lands conservancies are calling it the most important legislation in decades for their movement. Since 2006, landowners have been … More Land Trusts Say Permanent Tax Incentives Will Spur Conservation | WFAE
Opponents Rally Against McCrory’s Clean Power Plan | WFAE
December 17, 2015
Protesters were a fixture outside the recent climate change summit in Paris, calling on world leaders to agree on a plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. On Wednesday, local activists staged a rally of their own, supporting a new federal plan addressing climate change – and opposing North Carolina’s response. Here’s my report on the … More Opponents Rally Against McCrory’s Clean Power Plan | WFAE
Corning contracts for power from a new Duke solar farm, in Conetoe | WFAE
December 14, 2015
Had a quick story on WFAE today about a new solar energy project in eastern NC, in a town called Conetoe. I’ve driven through there before, and always wondered how it’s pronounced. All our guesses at the office today weren’t even close – it’s “kun-NEE-ta.” It’s a big deal for both Duke and Corning. Here’s a link … More Corning contracts for power from a new Duke solar farm, in Conetoe | WFAE
David Boraks 