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Elimination of the state's electronics recycling program. Broad elimination of riparian buffer protections and nutrient management plans that reduce pollutants impacting sensitive watersheds (provisions affecting the Neuse, Tar- Pamlico, and Catawba basins, as well as the Randleman Reservoir watershed). Hodgepodge of other cutbacks of environmental protections and land use rules (most of the latest round of "rules reform" bills). Finally, we point to one of the few real positive environmental moves in this year's budget, an increase of $8.6 million in funding to the Clean Water Management Trust Fund ( CWMTF), for an annual total of $22.4 million. (For comparison purposes, though, don't forget that before the current state leaders came into power, North Carolina was investing up to $100 million a year in CWMTF projects. We're a long way down from that peak.) There was also an increase in recurring annual appropriations of $315,000 to the Natural Heritage Program, for an annual total of $765,000. We bring you this list of positives now in part to give credit where due, and in part to encourage all our friends and allies to continue your advocacy efforts on behalf of our shared environment. Even during the dark times —like North Carolina state government today —those efforts are extremely important and can have critical positive impacts. At the same time, don't forget the anti - environmental measures which did pass: new coal ash legislation letting Duke Energy off the hook for urgently needed cleanups, the blocking of badly needed cleanup plans for key water supply reservoirs (Jordan and Falls), and other cutbacks. Ultimately, the only way to prevent a continuing retreat on clean water, air, and land in our state is to elect new leadership committed to a clean, green, and healthy North Carolina. Who we elect matters to our environment and health —and the election this November will be as important to our environmental future as any in our lifetimes. With the importance of this fall's elections in mind, we encourage our friends and supporters to get involved in helping to ensure the broadest possible opportunities for all our citizens to vote. One key way to do that is to see to it that one -stop early voting is as convenient and accessible as possible. Our friends at Democracy NC are asking citizens to help support accessible early voting opportunities this month as county boards of election finalize their early voting arrangements for the November election. To learn more about the issues involved, when your county's meetings will be held, and how you can help, see here.