Latest news with #PriceyHarrison
Sustainability Times
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Sustainability Times
'They're Smarter Than Dogs!': Furious North Carolina Bill Launches All-Out War on Octopus Farming, Leaving Shocked Families and Multimillion-Dollar Businesses in Chaos
IN A NUTSHELL 🐙 North Carolina has proposed a bill to ban octopus farming , aiming to prevent potential ecological and ethical issues. has proposed a bill to ban , aiming to prevent potential ecological and ethical issues. 🌱 The bill addresses environmental concerns, such as the strain on marine resources due to the high protein demands of farmed octopuses. addresses environmental concerns, such as the strain on marine resources due to the high protein demands of farmed octopuses. 🔬 Ethical considerations are highlighted, focusing on the intelligence of octopuses and the inhumane conditions they may face in captivity. 🌍 This move is part of a broader global discourse, with similar bans being considered or enacted in other parts of the U.S. and worldwide. In a surprising move, North Carolina has introduced a bill aimed at banning octopus farming, a practice that has not yet taken root in the United States. This legislative effort is part of a broader national and international discourse on the ethics and environmental impact of cultivating octopuses for commercial purposes. While there are no existing octopus farms in North Carolina, the bill serves as a preemptive measure against potential future developments. The legislation has sparked a heated debate among environmentalists, policymakers, and local agricultural communities, highlighting concerns over ecological sustainability and ethical treatment of these highly intelligent creatures. The Controversial North Carolina Bill The proposed legislation in North Carolina, known as House Bill 293, seeks to ban the farming of octopuses for human consumption. This bill, championed by Rep. Pricey Harrison, is designed to prevent the establishment of octopus farming operations in the state, despite the current absence of such farms. The bill has already captured the attention of state legislators, though not always positively. Some lawmakers criticize the timing of the bill, arguing that it diverts attention from more pressing issues like hurricane recovery and agricultural relief. Nonetheless, the bill aims to underscore the potential threats octopus farming could pose to local ecosystems and the ethical considerations of confining such intelligent animals. House Bill 293 also addresses the transportation of octopuses resulting from aquaculture, prohibiting their movement into the state. Notably, the bill exempts wild-caught octopuses and those used solely for scientific research, reflecting a nuanced approach to the issue. While the bill's future is uncertain, its introduction has succeeded in raising awareness about the potential environmental and ethical implications of octopus farming. 'World's first-ever': Denmark's historic tax on cow farts shocks climate activists worldwide Environmental and Ethical Concerns Critics of octopus farming highlight several environmental and ethical concerns associated with the practice. Octopuses are carnivorous creatures with a significant protein requirement, necessitating the capture of wild fish to feed farmed octopuses. According to NPR, it takes approximately three pounds of wild-caught fish to produce one pound of farmed octopus, raising concerns about the strain on marine resources. In North Carolina, environmental activists worry that octopus farming could exacerbate the depletion of local fisheries, particularly affecting the already declining blue crab population. Beyond environmental issues, the ethical treatment of octopuses in a farming context raises significant concerns. Octopuses are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, capable of opening jars and escaping enclosures. The prospect of confining such cognitively advanced animals in tanks or nets is troubling to many animal rights advocates. Furthermore, the methods used to slaughter octopuses, such as immersion in ice slurries, are considered inhumane by some. These ethical considerations form a crucial aspect of the debate surrounding the proposed ban on octopus farming. 'AI That Stops Wars': Former Harvard Scientist Unveils Revolutionary Peace Technology Designed to Prevent Global Conflict Before It Starts The Global Context of Octopus Farming The discussion around octopus farming is not limited to North Carolina or even the United States. Internationally, the practice is gaining attention as companies explore the possibility of cultivating octopuses to meet growing consumer demand. Seafood company Nueva Pescanova is pioneering efforts to establish the world's first commercial octopus farm in Spain's Canary Islands. This development has prompted several U.S. states, including Washington and California, to enact bans on octopus farming, with similar legislation being considered in New Jersey, Hawaii, and Oregon. The OCTOPUS Act, introduced in Congress, represents a national legislative effort to address the issue. Proponents of these bans argue that they are necessary to prevent the environmental degradation and ethical dilemmas associated with octopus farming. However, opponents, including agricultural bureaus in states like Oregon, warn that such bans could set a concerning precedent for restricting the farming of entire animal genera without robust scientific justification. Unprecedented Aerial Gamble: This New Australian Drone Can Travel 310 Miles Carrying 110 Pounds Across Remote Outback Voices from Both Sides The debate over octopus farming encompasses a range of perspectives. Environmental activists and animal rights advocates emphasize the potential ecological devastation and ethical concerns, advocating for a precautionary approach. On the other hand, companies like Nueva Pescanova argue that farmed octopus can alleviate pressure on wild populations and satisfy consumer demand. The Oregon Farm Bureau expresses concern over the ramifications of banning the farming of an entire genus of animals, suggesting that science-based evidence should guide such decisions. This multifaceted debate reflects broader tensions between environmental sustainability, ethical considerations, and economic interests. As the conversation continues, stakeholders on both sides grapple with finding a balance between protecting ecosystems and meeting market demands. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for the future of octopus farming and similar industries. The introduction of North Carolina's bill to ban octopus farming has sparked a lively discussion on the ethical and environmental implications of such practices. This legislative effort underscores the complexities of balancing ecological sustainability with consumer demand and ethical considerations. As the debate unfolds, one must wonder: how will society reconcile these competing interests to shape the future of sustainable aquaculture? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.3/5 (28)
Forbes
18-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
North Carolina Lawmakers File Medical Marijuana Legalization Bill
A group of North Carolina lawmakers this week introduced legislation to legalize medical cannabis in the state, online news source Marijuana Moment reported on Friday. The measure, House Bill 1011, was filed on Tuesday with primary sponsorship from Democratic Reps. Aisha Dew, Pricey Harrison and Zack Hawkins. The measure, titled the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act, would legalize the use of cannabis for patients with certain qualifying debilitating medical conditions, such as cancer, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson's disease and post-traumatic stress disorder. The legislation would also apply to patients in end-of-life care and those with other specified debilitating medical conditions. Patients would need a doctor's recommendation to use medical cannabis under the legislation. Doctors would be permitted to recommend smoking or vaping cannabis if they note the intended method of consumption on the recommendation. The bill also permits registered caregivers aged 21 and up to obtain medical cannabis for patients. North Carolina's medical cannabis program would be overseen by the state Department of Health and Human Services, which would be responsible for developing rules for the testing of medical cannabis products by independent laboratories. Medical cannabis products would be regulated by a newly created Medical Cannabis Production Commission. The agency would be responsible for licensing cannabis businesses and ensuring an adequate supply of medical cannabis is produced for patients. The bill authorizes up to 10 medical cannabis suppliers to cultivate and distribute licensed medical marijuana products. Each supplier would be permitted to operate as many as eight dispensaries, which would be known as 'medical cannabis centers.' The measure also establishes the North Carolina Cannabis Research Program to 'undertake objective, scientific research regarding the administration of cannabis or cannabis-infused products as part of medical treatment.' The legislation is similar to a 2023 bill of the same name from Republican Sen. Bill Rabon. That measure gained the approval of the North Carolina Senate but never came up for a vote in the state House of Representatives. Last year, the Senate approved a separate measure to legalize medical cannabis, but it also failed to garner a vote in the House. The North Carolina Capitol Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Earlier this year, the findings of a survey from Meredith Poll found strong support among registered voters for legalizing medical marijuana in North Carolina. According to the poll, 71% of North Carolinians 'strongly' or 'somewhat' support legalizing medical cannabis, while only 23% 'strongly' or 'somewhat' said they oppose the policy reform. 'We hear about it all the time. There's broad support across political parties. People want it taxed. They want the money, and they want it regulated,' Democratic Sen. Graig Meyer told WDTV television news at the time. 'They want to know we're doing it in a safe way, especially that protects kids.' Meyer voted in favor of the 2023 version of the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act in the Senate, where it received bipartisan support. Despite the issue's popularity, however, medical cannabis legalization bills have failed to gain the support of key Republican leaders in the House of Representatives. 'Everyone knows if you put a marijuana bill on the floor of either chamber, you've got enough votes to pass it,' Meyer said. 'The question is, can you get over the objections of a few powerful people that are standing in the way and that dynamic still exists in the House.' House Bill 1011 has been referred to the Committee on Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House for consideration. If the bill is passed into law, North Carolina will join the 39 other states that legalized medical cannabis. At least three other cannabis policy reform bills are also pending in the North Carolina legislature, including House Bill 984, which would legalize medical cannabis only for patients in a registered research program. Senate Bill 350 would legalize both recreational and medical marijuana, while House Bill 413 would legalize recreational cannabis.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bill to study medically assisted death filed in North Carolina, sponsored by Triad representatives
RALEIGH, N.C. (WGHP) — A bill filed in the North Carolina House of Representatives would fund the study of medically assisted death. HB410, titled 'Medical Aid in Dying,' was filed on Tuesday. The bill directs the North Carolina Institute of Medicine to study the impacts of legalizing medically assisted death. 'Medical aid in dying (MAID) is a recognized end-of-life (EOL) option for terminally ill, mentally competent adults who have been diagnosed with a life expectancy of less than 6 months to hasten the dying process,' the bill says. The bill directs NCIOM to 'study the advantages and disadvantages of legalizing medical aid in dying (MAID) in North Carolina.' Bill to raise North Carolina minimum wage filed by House Democrats It also directs NCIOM to look at factors that impact MAID, such as: The factors that contribute most to a person's decision to seek MAID. The characteristics and demographic backgrounds of persons who seek MAID. The social and emotional impacts on a person's family members when MAID is available to a person as an alternative to an extended dying process. Which medications have been or are currently being used for MAID, and whether intravenous self-administration would be an improvement over self-ingestion through the gastrointestinal tract. The best options for healthcare providers to opt out of participating in MAID. Available data from the current MAID states that are reporting on conclusions arising from the legalization of MAID, particularly with respect to the effectiveness of MAID laws in providing an end-of-life option. What end-of-life options are currently available in North Carolina and recommendations about whether MAID is an advisable additional alternative. To what extent the absence of MAID in North Carolina and other states increases the chance that a terminally ill person will choose to commit suicide by violent or other means.' Additionally, NCIOM would study advancements in MAID since the 'Death with Dignity Act' passed in Oregon, develop a hypothetical number of how many people may choose to use MAID based on data available from other states, and the impact on healthcare systems in states where MAID is already legal. The NCIOM would be required to hold at least one public hearing 'to ensure the general public has an opportunity to provide the NCIOM with comments regarding the advantages and disadvantages of legalizing MAID' before submitting a report to lawmakers, which is due by April 1, 2027. The bill would appropriate $150,000 to fund this study, if passed. MAID is legal in California, Colorado, Hawai'i, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and Washington D.C. It's been legal in Oregon for the longest amount of time, since 1994. Reps. Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford), Donny Lambeth (R-Forsyth), Julia Howard (R-Davie) and Lindsey Prather (D-Buncombe) are the primary sponsors of the bill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NC lawmakers file bill to raise minimum wage, boost worker protections
A group of Democrats in the North Carolina General Assembly have filed an ambitious bill that would raise the minimum wage, mandate equal pay for equal work, require paid family leave and reenact child tax credits. But, like all measures on Jones Street, it would require sign off by the Republican majority. ALSO READ: 'No tax on tips' bill making its way through NC House The bill, called the Economic Security Act, was filed by state Reps. Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford), Carolyn Logan (D-Mecklenburg), Marcia Morey (D-Durham) and Aisha Dew (D-Mecklenburg). All of the bill's sponsors are Democrats. And even they doubt that their Republican colleagues will green stamp the measure. Hear more from the lawmakers behind the bill on CBJ's website. WATCH BELOW: City terminates lease for local artists
Axios
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Octopus farming in NC? A bill was filed banning it
A leading environmental voice in the North Carolina House has introduced a bill to outlaw octopus farming for human consumption. Why it matters: Farming and keeping captive one of the most intelligent species is inhumane, critics say, and could harm the coastal ecosystem. Yes, but: North Carolina has no octopus farms or known plans for any. In fact, no commercial octopus farm exists in the world. So, why file such a bill? Driving the news: Congress and several states are considering similar legislation in response to international research on breeding octopuses. All the bills are intended to prevent such operations from opening in the U.S. Seafood company Nueva Pescanova is seeking permits to build the world's first commercial octopus farm, with tanks on a dock, in Spain's Canary Islands, NPR reported. Washington and California were the first states to pass bans in 2024, while the OCTOPUS Act has been introduced in Congress. Similar state legislation has been filed in New Jersey, Hawaii and Oregon. The North Carolina bill has already caught the attention of other top state legislators — but not in a good way. "While we're trying to deliver 90 million dollars in Corn Relief to NC farmers. The Democrats are worried about banning Octopus farming in NC," House Majority Leader Rep. Brenden Jones posted on X. Rep. Pricey Harrison, the bill's sponsor, says she doesn't expect the bill to advance while the legislature is focused on Hurricane Helene recovery and other pressing issues. But she still filed the legislation to raise awareness of a potential threat to the coast. "We tend to be a reactionary legislature," Harrison tells Axios. "But it's always best if you can get in front of an issue rather than be reacting to an issue." What's inside: House Bill 293, as drafted, would also prohibit the transport of any otopuseses that are the result or product of aquaculture into North Carolina. The legislation would exempt wild-caught octopuses and those "propagated, cultivated, maintained, reared, or harvested" only for research. Mecklenburg County Rep. Mary Belk is one of several Democrats who have joined to sponsor the bill. Threat level: Critics of octopus farming say the operations would strain natural resources, as the carnivorous creatures demand more fishing to accommodate their large protein diet. An estimated three pounds of wild-caught fish are necessary to raise one pound of farmed octopus, NPR reports. Environmental activists worry octopus farming would require the intensification of crabbing in North Carolina, where the blue crab population is shrinking. "It would be so ecologically devastating to not only wildlife, but also local fishermen and crabbers that are relying on clean water," says Amanda Fox, executive director of the Animal Rights Initiative. Beyond the adverse environmental effects, ethical concerns are often raised about confining cognitive octopuses in tanks or nets. Octopuses are smart enough to open jars, solve problems and are master escape artists. Some suggest the method of slaughtering an octopus — plunging them into an ice slurry — is also too cruel. The other side: Nueva Pescanova claims, according to NPR, that raising octopus on a farm helps meet a growing global demand for octopus meat while easing fishing pressure. In Oregon, the farm bureau argues the bill would set "a concerning precedent" of restricting agriculture of an entire genus of animal without "clear, science-based justification," Oregon Live reported.
