The new restrictions on Outer Banks beaches are hurting local businesses according to representative Walter Jones.
The new rules closed 26 miles to beach driving and required people to get permits for other areas.
That change caused some businesses to lose customers and they had to fire workers.
Today, Jones told a house subcommittee the restrictions need to be repealed and the 26 miles re-opened.
Warren Judge from the Dare County Board of Commissioners also spoke at the hearing.
He talked about the 120-dollar fee for beach access.
He says “Families plan all year long to visit Cape Hatteras. They save diligently in order to afford a destination where an American family can still enjoy a wholesome recreational experience at a reasonable price.”
For these visitors, adding a fee to access the beach is akin to charging a fee to breathe the air.
Since the new regulations, almost 3,400 permits have been sold.
The bill overturning the new restrictions will still have to go through the House Natural Resources Committee before moving forward.
