Air Quality
Hurricane Helene Recovery
DEQ urges caution and care in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Air quality can be impacted by debris burning.
Read Our Guidance
Fine Particulate Matter Standard
EPA tightened the national ambient air quality standard for fine particulate matter in 2024. DEQ wants to make sure North Carolina residents know and understand what the new standard means for them.
Watch the Webinar
Work for DEQ
DEQ is looking for top talent to share their knowledge, skills, and commitment to a strong, safe environment for our state and beyond.
See all current job openings!
NC Greenhouse Gas Inventory
The statewide Greenhouse Gas Inventory includes emissions and reductions from 1990-2020 and projections to 2050.
Read the full report
Air Quality Trends in North Carolina
North Carolinians are breathing the cleanest air in decades. The latest Air Quality Trends report shows improvement across the state.
Learn more about Emission Reductions
Volkswagen Settlement
See how North Carolina is investing the state's $92 million share of the national Volkswagen Settlement on projects to reduce pollution, including electric vehicles and infrastructure.
See what projects are funded
What's in the Air Today?
The Air Quality Portal is your one-stop shop for air quality forecasts, current monitoring data on ozone and other pollutants, and educational air quality blogs.
Visit the Air Quality Portal
ArcGIS Web Tool
The ArcGIS Web Tool provides free online access to currently available information about the sites that the Division of Air Quality regulates.
Look up Air Quality Permits
Inspection/Maintenance Program
Emissions inspections are required for vehicles registered in 19 North Carolina counties.
Learn More About Vehicle InspectionsWhat We Do
The Division of Air Quality (DAQ) works with the state's residents to protect and improve outdoor, or ambient, air quality in North Carolina for the health, benefit and economic well-being of all. To carry out this mission, the DAQ operates a statewide air quality monitoring network to measure the level of pollutants in the outdoor air, develops and implements plans to meet future air quality initiatives, issues clear and comprehensive permits, assures compliance with air quality rules, and educates, informs and assists the public with regard to air quality issues.
Open Burning
The open burning rule is one of North Carolina's oldest air quality regulations. Find out the dos and don'ts before you burn.
Learn About Open BurningContact DAQ
Use these links to contact Division of Air Quality staff members, or call 919-707-8400 for general air quality questions.