Last week the Senate passed a comprehensive bill to deal with Duke Energys 33 coal ash ponds that threaten North Carolina’s water resources. The bill is being heard in the House Environment Committee today. One provision at the very end of the bill challenges the State Construction Office with this language:

“§ 143‑58.6.  Specifications for Use of Coal Combustion Products.

(a)        State Construction Office to Develop Technical Specifications. – The State Construction Office shall develop recommended technical specifications for the use of coal combustion products that may be utilized in any construction by all State departments, institutions, agencies, community colleges, and local school administrative units, other than the Department of Transportation. The technical specifications shall address all products used in construction, including, but not limited to, the use of coal combustion products in concrete and cement products, and in construction fill.”

http://mobile.ncleg.net/Sessions/2013/Bills/Senate/PDF/S729v3.pdf