"North Carolina's top environmental official says he briefed Gov. Pat McCrory about a negotiated settlement with Duke Energy that would have fined the $50 billion corporation $99,000 to resolve violations for groundwater contamination leaching from two huge coal ash dumps."
"State Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary John Skvarla told lawmakers at an oversight hearing Monday that the Republican governor's only directions were to protect the environment and do the right thing.
The state agency has put its proposed deal with the nation's largest electricity provider on hold following the massive Feb. 2 spill of coal ash into the Dan River.
McCrory worked for Duke for 28 years before running for governor in 2008 and has benefited from more than $1.1 million in campaign donations linked to the company."
Michael Biesecker reports for the Associated Press February 17, 2014.
SEE ALSO:
"McCrory Has Sharp Exchange With Reporter Over Duke Energy Questions" (WNCN)
"Gov. McCrory Denies Duke Coal Ash Deal Involvement" (AP)
"McCrory on Defensive Over Coal Ash Spill" (WRAL)
"NC Regulators, Duke Assure Nc Lawmakers Coal Ash Spill Poses No Immediate Threat To Health" (Raleigh News & Observer)
"NC Lawmakers Push Duke To Clean Up Coal Ash Dumps" (AP)
Editorial: "Regulatory Favoritism in North Carolina" (New York Times)
"What It Looked Like When Tons Of Coash Drained From A Power Plant To The Dan River" (WUNC)
"Duke Energy ‘Sorry’ About Coal Ash Spill" (WCNC)
"Sharp Exchanges Spice State Meeting on Coal Ash" (Charlotte Observer)
"Could Stricter Oversight Have Prevented Spill?" (Greensboro News & Record)
Advertisement 
