Press Releases

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries will close coastal and joint waters in North Carolina to both commercial and recreational spotted seatrout harvest effective at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24 due to widespread cold stun events.
Due to the forecasted inclement weather, the Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries has cancelled the three Observer Trip Scheduling System training sessions that were slated for this week. The meetings will be rescheduled and the dates and times announced later.
North Carolina’s Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) has classified 11 counties in eastern North Carolina as experiencing severe drought conditions, also known as D2, in the latest drought advisory issued Thursday.

Today, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality launched Energy Saver North Carolina, which includes more than $208 million dollars for federally funded rebates.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries wants to remind the public to report any cold stunned spotted seatrout they may see in North Carolina coastal waters.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is accepting public comment and will hold a public hearing on a draft air quality permit modification for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) cogeneration facility.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries’ Artificial Reef Program has finalized its five-year timeline for ocean reef enhancements funded by Coastal Recreational Fishing License revenues.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is extending the deadline to apply for more than $1.1 million in funding for clean vehicle replacements.

The Environmental Management Commission (EMC) is accepting public comment on proposed rule changes that would codify discharge requirements for certain existing wastewater treatment plants in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin in the rules. The rules are part of a strategy designed to manage the inputs of nutrients into the basin that can cause fish kills, harmful algal blooms and other water quality impacts.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is currently accepting comments on adoption of rule 15A NCAC 05C, regarding pre-drilling for oil and natural gas exploration activities, through Feb. 14, 2025. The Department will host a public hearing on the proposed rule on January 7, 2025, in Raleigh.