Coal ash is a hot topic in North Carolina, and it was certainly at the forefront last week after the legislature passed a measure at the end of its short session specifically designed to address the waste.
The week started off with Gov. Pat McCrory declaring a part of the legislation illegal. He said creating commissions that are appointed by the legislature is unconstitutional, regardless of the subject.
State senators and representatives who represent Rowan County responded with a simple fact ­— the legislature appoints members to dozens of other commissions, which is a fair point.
It’s a curious situation. McCrory said he would sign the coal ash measure, but could challenge it later via lawsuit. He hasn’t signed off on the measure yet, but it would seem that an approval of the measure would, in turn, represent an approval of the coal ash commission that he believes to be unconstitutional.
Coal ash concerns emerged again in a town-hall style meeting in China Grove with State Sen. Gene McLaurin.
The senator’s concerns focus mostly on the quality of drinking water. McLaurin has clarified the reasoning for his concerns multiple times — a leak at the Buck Station Steam Station on the Yadkin River could flow into his district and affect water quality.
McLaurin expressed real concerns about the quality of life for his constituents. It seems that coal ash is one of his top issues as the general election approaches.
Democrats more often favor green agendas than Republicans, so it’s not surprising that McLaurin secured an endorsement last week from the N.C. League of Conservation Voters.
The group’s website states “We work to pass laws to protect the air you breathe, water you drink, and the health of the community in which you live.”
McLaurin released a brief statement to go along with the endorsement that said: “Our children and grandchildren are depending on their elected officials for safe and clean drinking water, land and air.
“As your state senator, I believe we can create good jobs and protect our natural resources.”
When the NCLCV announced endorsements on Monday, McLaurin was included with 35 others in both House and Senate races.
It’s the latest in a number of endorsements for McLaurin, as he also received nods from the N.C. Chamber of Commerce PAC and the State Employees Association of North Carolina PAC.
State politics didn’t entirely hog center stage last week, as county government officials announced plans to declare a gas chamber surplus equipment and have local residents destroy it with sledgehammers.
Like coal ash, the gas chamber has been a hot topic in Rowan County.
The measure was placed on the board of commissioners’ consent agenda, which, in most cases, is used when commissioners or city councils unanimously agree on certain items. The measure being placed on the consent agenda means it has a good chance of passing.
It’s important to note the money raised from any kind of destruction that occurs to the gas chamber will not entirely be donated to the shelter.
According to the board of commissioners Tuesday agenda, any profits will be split with Ron Lee, who is involved with Lake Norman Animal Rescue.
The agenda attachment that specifically pertains to the gas chamber notes that a similar event was held in Cleveland County and received significant interest.
It’s clear that many are passionate about the gas chamber issue, some more than others. The county commissioners appear to be complying with activists’ requests in order to find a more humane way to euthanize animals — lethal injection.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.