Sen. McInnis files bill in North Carolina Senate to limit local environmental regulations

A new bill filed by State Sen. Tom McInnis seeks to limit local governments’ authority to regulate environmental matters beyond state or federal requirements, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 713 on March 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Limit Local Gov’t Environmental Rqmt’s.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill aims to limit the authority of local governments in North Carolina to regulate environmental matters by prohibiting them from enacting ordinances, rules, regulations, or policies that are more restrictive than state or federal laws, unless specifically directed by the General Assembly. Local governments may still implement measures necessary to comply with state or federal law or permit conditions, provided they do not exceed granted authority. This restriction does not apply to regulations related to the National Flood Insurance Program. The act takes effect upon becoming law, and local governments must amend their relevant regulations to comply by Dec. 1, 2025, after which non-compliant provisions will be null and void.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Timothy D. Moffitt proposed the most bills (70) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Mclnnis, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2023 to represent the state’s 21st Senate district, replacing previous state senator Ben Clark.