Southern Environmental Law Center Files Petition with the Environmental Protection Agency

Mo Drinkard • August 28, 2024

Today the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) filed a petition with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to remove North Carolina’s authority to enforce the Clean Water Act (CWA). SELC filed the petition on behalf of Cape Fear River Watch, Environmental Justice Community Action Network, Haw River Assembly, and MountainTrue.

The petition argues that North Carolina’s General Assembly has systematically undermined the State’s ability to adequately enforce the CWA. They document the underfunding of agencies tasked with enforcement and the creation of new bureaucratic hurdles to block protective standards for toxins including PFAS. If successful, the petition would either require the General Assembly to correct the deficiencies or cede regulatory authority back to the federal government. 


The EPA has 90 days to respond.


Find the full press release and petition here. 

Catawba-Wateree Relicensing Coalition Summer Meeting

By Mo Drinkard • August 14, 2026
Earlier this month, the Catawba-Wateree Relicensing Coalition hosted their Summer Meeting at Confluence South Fork in Cramerton, NC. During the meeting, attendees received updates on projects occurring in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin, including: Updates from Duke Energy on recreation, invasive species, shoreline management, and the current drought. Highlights from the latest Integrated Water Resources Plan including recommendations for ongoing and future management of our river system. Regional project updates throughout the river basin. You can view the slide decks shared at the meeting by clicking on the links below: Catawba Riverkeeper Update CWWMG Integrated Water Resources Plan Catawba-Wateree Relicensing Coalition Shoreline Management Plan Catawba-Wateree Relicensing Coalition Brief History Catawba-Wateree Recreation Use and Needs Study and Project Updates

What Is The Floating Classroom?

By Madison Washington • August 6, 2026
Catawba Riverkeeper Floating Classroom

What is Swim Guide?

By Madison Washington • July 23, 2026
Whether you're planning a day at the lake or a weekend on the river, knowing if the water is safe for swimming is an important part of any outdoor adventure. Today, that information is only a few clicks away thanks to Swim Guide, a program that has grown from a local initiative into the world's largest recreational water quality network.