Press Releases

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DEQ reminds residents, businesses that burning trash is against state law

DEQ’s Division of Air Quality is reminding North Carolinians: If it doesn’t grow, don’t burn it. The open burning rule limits what can be burned outdoors and when.

Ozone season begins Sunday

March 1 marks the beginning of the 2026 ozone season as state and local environmental agencies restart their daily air quality forecasts for ozone across North Carolina.

NC’s greenhouse gas emissions lowest in decades, but temporary uptick projected

DEQ's updated North Carolina greenhouse gas inventory shows declines in emissions since 2005 and projects a slight uptick in the coming years.

NC air quality has vastly improved since ‘90s, DEQ report shows

The latest update to DEQ's “Air Quality Trends in North Carolina” report shows emissions of harmful air pollutants like ozone and fine particles continue a long-running downward trend.

DEQ modifies air quality permit for Domtar Paper Co.

After reviewing public comments, the Division of Air Quality issued a modified Title V air quality permit to Domtar Paper Co. in Martin County.

REMINDER: DEQ accepting public comments on modified air quality permit for Domtar Paper

The Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is accepting public comments on a draft Title V air quality permit for Domtar Paper Co. in Martin County.

DEQ accepting public comments on modified air quality permit for Domtar Paper

The Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is accepting public comments on a draft Title V air quality permit for Domtar Paper Co. in Martin County.

REMINDER: DEQ schedules public hearings to consider air permit modifications for Transco’s proposed pipeline expansion

The Division of Air Quality is accepting public comment on draft air quality permit modifications for air compressor stations associated with Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. proposed Southeast Supply Enhancement Project.

DEQ schedules public hearings to consider air permit modifications for Transco’s proposed pipeline expansion

The Division of Air Quality is accepting public comment on draft air quality permit modifications for air compressor stations associated with Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. proposed Southeast Supply Enhancement Project.

DEQ awards $1.1 million for clean vehicle projects that will reduce air pollution

The Division of Air Quality is awarding $1.14 million in DERA grants for projects that will reduce air pollution from diesel-powered mobile sources.

First-time Title V Air Quality Permit issued to Columbia Plywood Corp.

After reviewing public comments, the Division of Air Quality issued a first-time Title V air quality permit to Columbia Plywood Corporation - Columbia Carolina Division in McDowell County.

DEQ continues to prioritize Helene recovery one year later

For the past 12 months, the top priority of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has been to help communities in western North Carolina recover and rebuild from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

DEQ Issues Air Quality Permit to Duke Energy Emergency Generator Project in Johnston County

After reviewing public comments, the Division of Air Quality issued a Title V air quality permit to Duke Energy Progress, LLC - Novo Nordisk. 

DEQ issues modified air quality permit to Carpenter Co.

The Division of Air Quality has issued Carpenter Co., an expanded polystyrene manufacturer in High Point, a first-time Title V air quality permit.

REMINDER: Public invited to comment on draft air quality permit modification for Columbia Plywood Corp.

The Division of Air Quality is accepting public comment on a draft air quality permit modification for Columbia Plywood Corporation - Columbia Carolina Division, a plywood manufacturing facility in McDowell County.