Recent environment stories

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The state Board of Natural Resources is handling this year's most controversial environmental issues, including rules for coastal development and stream protections. If the board can satisfy pro-development interests, that should leave the governor and General Assembly to figure out how much money to spend on environmental matters. Look for these numbers:

• How much money will be spent on land conservation?

More than half the $100 million Perdue offered for land conservation in 2005 is tied up in a revolving loan fund that hasn't attracted much interest. The rest has been mostly spent on projects that were already in the pipeline, leaving only about $4 million.

• Will the state fully fund the soil police who make sure construction crews keep the dirt out of streams?

It's been three years since the erosion and sedimentation law passed, and still less than half the promised 80 state inspectors are on the job. This year, about a third of the money collected from developers to fund those positions is being spent on other state services.

• Will the state spend money on energy efficiency and renewable energy?

The Governor's Energy Policy Council has recommended several possible options to consider, including a revolving loan fund that would give state and local governments the money they need to invest in energy efficient buildings and equipment.

-- Stacy Shelton