HB 345

Contains whereas clauses. Enacts the Rights of the Dan River and Haw River Ecosystems (Systems) in new Article 11 to GS Chapter 77, to recognize and protect the rights of those human-impacted river ecosystems and the right of the people of the state to a healthy, thriving ecosystem. Defines the two Systems and natural resource management agencies (Department of Natural and Cultural Resources [DNCR], Department of Environmental Quality [DEQ], and Wildlife Resources Commission [WRC] in GS 77-147. Lists six enumerated rights of the Systems including the right to naturally exist, flourish, regenerate, and evolve and the right to full restoration, recovery, and preservation in GS 77-148. Specifies that new Article does not abrogate the collective or individual rights of indigenous people residing in the state in GS 77-150. Requires DNCR, DEQ, and WRC to take action in furtherance of the act’s purpose in GS 77-151, including to: