Legislation that killed the proposed Black Bear Landfill in Camden a year ago set new state policies for waste management including a stipulation preventing landfills from being built within five miles of a national wildlife refuge, two miles of a state park or one mile of state game preserve. Black Bear's site is within a mile of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Consequently, five years worth of planning and preparation by Camden officials were wiped out — along with expectations to reap as much as $3 million in annual revenue for the cash-strapped county.

While questions remain about the timing, motivation and efficacy behind the legislation, the environmental priorities incorporated into the new rules have merit if they, in fact, represent a larger eco-campaign for North Carolina. There are some indications that may be the case, though the public may need more proof. And that could come from the state's leaders — especially from Senate Pro Tem Marc Basnight, D-Dare.

Basnight, who didn't dodge responsibility for backing the landfill-killing legislation, nevertheless was obligated to step in on behalf of Camden, a county in his district. In it's place, he recommended development of an eco-park. As he envisions it, the park would incorporate an all-green development plan using environmentally friendly technology and processes for everything from construction to providing power to elimination of waste. Such a park, Basnight proposed would attract eco-friendly businesses interested in operating in an environmentally-focused location.

Though progress hasn't come quickly, Basnight has persisted by working with planners from the University of North Carolina system.

In the meantime, it turns out that the senator's green views are expanding and having an impact in other areas, too. Among them, he's had a hand in the greening of the Raleigh General Assembly Complex. Examples include replacing incandescent lights with fluorescent bulbs, adding low-flow toilets and locally made recycled paper towels.

Back in his home county, in the rebuilding of his Outer Banks restaurant, The Lone Cedar, Basnight was also thinking eco-sensitivity. He's incorporated green elements such as menu items, fluorescent lighting, recycled paper materials and cisterns to collect rainwater to irrigate the restaurant's herb garden.

In recent interviews with The Daily Advance, it's apparent he's also become more aware of the effects of plastics on wildlife and the environment and has become convinced that humans can have an impact on global warming.

If he proceeds along this path, Basnight's environmental focus could bode well for North Carolina. But eco-advocacy isn't a pick and choose proposition. The same interest he's demonstrated on these mentioned projects must be consistently applied to other issues, including some that, unfortunately, may bring him into conflict with some constituents and supporters.

Accordingly, from the Navy's proposed outlying landing field in Camden or Gates counties to fishing quotas, stormwater runoff and other matters, there are plenty of opportunities for Basnight to demonstrate leadership on the environment. We urge him to do so.

The Issue

Sen. Marc Basnight is becoming more attuned to environmental issues

Our position

His leadership on the environment would benefit N.C., but it's not a pick and choose proposition