RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Legislation to amend North Carolina's environmental laws has been signed by Gov. Pat McCrory. House Bill 157 was introduced by Rep. Pat McElraft and Rep. Rick Catlin. It passed the General Assembly Monday with a final vote in the Sentate of 39 to 10.

House Bill 157:

* Increases environmental protections by clarifying the definitions of reuse facilities versus solid waste facilities

* Makes technical corrections and clarifications to the Coal Ash Management Act of 2014 to ensure environmental protection and expedite the removal of ash

* Clarifies that the Environmental Management Commission has the authority to make additional rules to address air pollution from energy exploration and production activities if necessary

* Makes other minor corrections and clarifications to environmental laws.

The full bill text and vote record can be found at ncleg.net.