Press Releases

Wildfire smoke in western North Carolina may be producing unhealthy air quality in at least five counties, and residents are urged to take precautions.Cherokee, Clay and Macon counties may experience Code Red air quality conditions, defined as air that is unhealthy for anyone to breathe. Residents should consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors in these areas. Anyone sensitive to air pollution, including children, older adults and people with asthma, should avoid outdoor exertion.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management has awarded more than $2.8 million to nine local governments to improve public access to coastal beaches and waters for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality will hold a series of public information sessions in November and December to provide information and gather feedback on the Department's planned application for the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG).

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking feedback from stakeholders and the public to develop an action-based, achievable, and inclusive Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan for the 2024-2034 cycle.Survey feedback offers respondents the opportunity to influence the next decade of solid waste and materials management in North Carolina. Responses are also key to ensure the plan contributes to NCDEQ’s mission to provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians. 

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet Nov. 9 at the Beaufort Hotel, 2440 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m., and a public comment period is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. At the chair’s discretion, comments may be limited to 3 minutes per person. Prior to the commission meeting, the Coastal Resources Advisory Council (CRAC) will meet Nov. 8 at 3 p.m. at the same location. Both meetings are open to the public.

North Carolina’s Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) has expanded its Severe Drought category (D2 classification) for parts of 15 counties as of Oct. 31.

The North Carolina Oil and Gas Commission is conducting a periodic review of the geophysical exploration rules as required by state statute and is accepting public comment through January 8, 2024.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)’s Division of Water Resources will hold a public hearing on December 6 on the adoption of proposed final rules for three grant programs: the Aquatic Weed Control Fund, Coastal Storm Mitigation Fund and the Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging Fund. Comments will also be accepted until Jan. 2, 2024.

 The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality launched a new online Erosion & Sediment Control application for the Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) as part of the Department’s new

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is accepting grant applications to fund projects that will reduce emissions from diesel engines.