Press Releases

Secretary Reid Wilson of the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) presented Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Inc. (HYMH), the manufacturer of Hyster® and Yale® lift trucks, a plaque recognizing the site as an Environmental Steward within the Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ESI). The Greenville facility is one of only 31 in North Carolina to earn the coveted designation, which represents the highest of three levels of recognition in the state’s ESI program.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office are urging the public to act responsibly during the upcoming July Fourth holiday at the Masonboro Island Reserve, a research and dedicated state nature preserve. In preparation for the holiday, the state coastal agency and the sheriff’s office are working together to provide public safety resources and increase public awareness of responsible visitor behavior on the island and surrounding waters. 

As drought conditions continue across North Carolina heading into the Fourth of July weekend, the public is encouraged to continue to follow water supply restrictions set by their local water systems.

DAQ will hold a public hearing to receive public comments on two draft air quality permits for separate facilities in Richmond County related to powering a proposed data center.

The NC Division of Marine Fisheries has asked to withdraw the Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application for Red Snapper that would have allowed a 62-day recreational season from July 1 through Aug. 31. Until further notice, it remains unlawful to possess Red Snapper taken from North Carolina waters or from federal waters.

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission will meet July 8-9 in the Ground Floor Hearing Room of the Archdale Building in Raleigh. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting by computer or phone.  

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Resources (DWR) reminds the public to avoid contact with discolored water that could indicate the presence of an algal bloom. 

The N.C. Mining Commission will meet in Raleigh on July 7, 2026 for its regular quarterly meeting. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m.

The Habitat and Water Quality Advisory Committee to the NC Marine Fisheries Commission will meet Thursday, June 25 at the NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries Central District Office, 5285 Highway 70 West, Morehead City.

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Waste Management (DWM) is now accepting applications for the Debris Recovery & Disposal (DRD) grant program, to help Western North Carolina communities clean up additional debris left by Hurricane Helene.