Senate Bill 699 which would have stopped operation of a cement plant in the southern coastal part of the state and while the General Assembly and DENR studied their operation. Sen. Julia Boseman (D-New Hanover) delayed the meeting several times and conferred with committee chairs before finally pulling the bill. Word from members of the committee: votes for passage just aren’t there. And won’t be if she brings the bill up again. Another bill that is bad for business bites the dust.

Members from both sides of the political aisle as well as different regions of the state seem to be understanding that the key to economic recovery and prosperity is creating a welcoming business environment, not burdensome government regulation and interference.