Jimmy Dixon
Coverage of Jimmy Dixon in the Nexus archive.
- As law enforcement backs a hemp ban, protestors push NC lawmakers to vote no
North Carolina's House Bill 328, passed by the Senate, aims to ban hemp products with over 0.4 mg THC and impose age restrictions. Hemp industry advocates argue it would cripple a $4 billion sector, while law enforcement supports the ban to prevent access to children. Protests are ongoing as the House debates the bill.
- Powerful NC House lawmaker advances bill to end property tax break for future solar projects
Rep. Jimmy Dixon has introduced a bill to end the property tax break for new solar energy systems installed after July 1, 2027. Opponents argue the tax abatement supports farmers and solar development, while supporters claim it's leading to the use of prime farmland.
- Solar has minimal impact on NC farmland, new study shows
A study by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) finds solar projects in North Carolina occupy 0.24% of prime farmland, less than suburban development (0.87%) and golf courses (0.28%). Nationally, solar uses 0.04% of U.S. land, with California having the highest overlap at 0.43%. The study refutes claims that solar is displacing agriculture, noting projects prioritize grid proximity over farmland.
- NC bill could bar people under 21 from buying hemp-derived products
North Carolina lawmakers are considering a bill to prohibit individuals under 21 from purchasing hemp-derived products, including smokable hemp and kratom, following a reported case of a 14-year-old emergency room patient. The House Agriculture and Environment Committee approved a rewritten version of Senate Bill 59, which imposes fines on businesses that sell these products to minors. The bill includes amendments to cover kratom and will next proceed to the House Rules Committee.