NC H345

Establishes legal rights for the Dan River and Haw River ecosystems, including the right to exist, flourish, regenerate, and be free from pollution and harmful human activities

Requires state natural resource management agencies to complete a baseline environmental assessment by June 30, 2026, and achieve full ecosystem restoration by June 30, 2030

Grants legal standing to any North Carolina resident to file lawsuits on behalf of the river ecosystems to enforce their rights

Imposes civil penalties up to $10,000 per single violation or $500 per day for continuing violations, with treble damages for willful violations

Waives sovereign immunity for government entities and removes legal protections from businesses found to have violated the rivers' rights