Natural gas will dethrone coal as the fossil fuel generating most of WNC’s electricity when Duke Energy’s new Lake Julian plant goes online in 2020. But how does natural gas get to this area, and where does it come from? Though tracing the gas molecules to their source is tricky, Xpress found that much of the area’s gas supply comes from hydraulic fracturing, and new pipeline projects are in the works to bring more fracked gas into the region.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners wrapped up the budget season during its Tuesday, June 21, meeting by approving a $413,574,951 spending plan for fiscal year 2017. During a more than five hour meeting Commissioner Tim Moffitt proposed an alternate budget, that would lower the property tax rate, but it was shoot down, via party lines, in favor of the approved budget.
The new Energy Innovation Task Force — which brings together representatives from electric utility Duke Energy, elected officials, the private sector, nonprofits and alternative energy providers — held its first meeting on May 13. In addition to the task force members, a sizable group of citizens and energy advocates also turned out for the public kickoff of the one-of-a-kind initiative, which aims to slow the growth of local energy demand and avoid the construction of a third natural gas generator.
On Monday, May 16, Commissioner DeBruhl sent an email stating she would be vacating her seat on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and also dropping out of her race for Chair.
While only one Buncombe County commission seat was actually decided in last night’s primary, in all the races where a woman was running, she was selected by her party.
DeBruhl will likely face off against Commissioner Brownie Newman, who was elected vice chair of the Board earlier this week and announced his intent to run for chair earlier this year.
In its latest efforts to increase the availability of affordable housing, the nonprofit organization Mountain Housing Opportunities hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and gift registry drive Thursday evening at its brand new apartment complex, The Villas at Fallen Spruce Apartments, just off New Leicester Highway. MHO staff, partner organizations, sponsors, local and state government officials were […]
There are two ways to view Xpress‘ Q&A with the candidates: Either click the candidate’s picture to see a text version of their answers or click to expand the grid below. There is no incumbent; current Chair, David Gantt, is not running for re-election. Chuck Archerd, Republican Brownie Newman, Democrat
Brownie Newman, Democrat brownienewman.com Place of residence: Asheville Occupation: Partner at Headwaters Solar Political experience: Two terms on Asheville City Council and currently serving second term on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. Endorsements: Buncombe County Association of Educators; N.C. Sierra Club; Asheville Citizen-Times Amount of money raised: $25,000 Top three donors and amount contributed: […]
Over the last few weeks, it seems as though many Asheville and Buncombe politicians are moving pieces in a bigger puzzle. From retirements to withdrawals, shifting boards to a run for state office — and 15 candidates running for Asheville City Council, a lot is happening these days in local politics.
At the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners’ March 17 retreat, the Planning Department gave two separate presentations, each containing proposed actions to be discussed at future meetings.
This page features previews and recaps for meetings of hte Asheville City Council and Buncombe County Board of Commissioners.
Leading up to a Dec. 1 decision, Democrats and Republicans are jockeying behind the scenes to determine who will serve as vice chair of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners.
Students at Warren Wilson College delivered a contentious 18 vote win to Ellen Frost in 2012, giving Democrats a one seat majority on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. She faces a rematch with Republican opponent Christina Merrill this year for control of District 2, and the two candidates returned to the decisive campus in Swannanoa for an Oct. 29 forum. (Photo by Petras Barcas)
In District 1, roughly equivalent to the city of Asheville, incumbent Democrat Brownie Newman is being challenged by Keith Young. Xpress asked each candidate five questions designed to elicit their priorities and views.
Several Buncombe County Commissioners are facing challengers in the May 6 primary election. Here’s a basic rundown of the candidates and the races, broken down by district.
The international debate over climate change came home Dec. 3, as the Buncombe County commissioners butted heads over a proposal to reduce the county’s carbon footprint by 80 percent over time. Now, county staff is trying to figure out how to begin implementing the directive and determine how to measure the progress.
At their Dec. 3 meeting, the majority of Buncombe County Commissioners endorsed a goal of reducing the county’s carbon footprint by 80 percent. The plan calls for cutting its emissions by 2 percent each year until the final target is met.
At their Dec. 3 meeting, Buncombe County commissioners will consider a proposed Energy Independence Initiative that would commit the county to achieving an 80 percent reduction in its carbon footprint. Commissioners will also elect a new vice chair to succeed Commissioner Holly Jones, who is finishing up a one-year term in the role.
Asheville residents focused much of a July 15 community meeting with the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on new schools and a possible new shooting range.
