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North Carolina is the sixth-largest producer of cotton in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

'Planet and people first': NC businesses see benefits of 'ESG'

Businesses large and small are doubling down on their commitment to more sustainable practices, even as lawmakers in North Carolina and other states …

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, methane is the second most abundant anthropogenic greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, accounting for about 16 percent of global emissions. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina weighs in on Duke Energy's methane gas proposal

The North Carolina Utilities Commission is giving residents a chance to voice their opinion on a plan which could influence how their electricity is g…

North Carolina has the third highest PFAS exposure in the country. (Adobe Stock)

EPA takes steps to reduce PFAS as advocates call for more actions

The Environmental Protection Agency is taking steps to reduce harmful pollution in drinking water in North Carolina and across the country. In a …

A Charlotte Earth Day event will provide children with an Earth Passport, which will help guide them through four

A focus on environmental protection, advocacy for NC Earth Day

April is Earth Month, and North Carolina's climate justice groups are addressing the crucial roles of air, land, water and health in protecting the …

Farmers can combine renewable energy, such as solar panels, with crops on their property, a process known as agrivoltaics, to maximize the revenues from their farmland. (Adobe Stock)

Solar leases help NC farm owners up revenues, keep homestead

By Daniel Walton for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for North Carolina News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pu…

House Bill 951, passed by the General Assembly in 2021, requires the North Carolina Utilities Commission to review and renew the Carbon Plan every two years, updating it to reflect changes in available technologies and energy sources. (Adobe Stock)

Group empowers NC residents to advocate for sustainable future

A North Carolina nonprofit focused on climate justice wants to help people advocate for their views about Duke Energy's proposed Carbon Plan…

According to CleanAIRE NC, frontline communities are constantly dealing with a range of environmental risks, including power plants, sewage plants, roads and highways, landfills and others. (Adobe Stock)

NC to tackle pollution disparities with Environmental Justice Council

North Carolina is taking action to address environmental injustice, specifically targeting areas disproportionately affected by pollution and climate …

Appalachian Voices claims some of the data presented by Mountain Valley Pipeline regarding its Southgate extension project is misleading. (Adobe Stock)

NC groups demand changes to Mountain Valley Pipeline's Southgate extension

Environmental groups in North Carolina are demanding changes to the Southgate extension of the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Ridge Graham, North …

Access to EV charging is expected to increase significantly in the coming years as a result of government initiatives in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. (Adobe Stock)

Expanding EV infrastructure for environmental equity in NC

The number of electric vehicles in North Carolina has surged in the past five years, with about 70,000 people now driving them. Advocates said …

According to a new report, an inventory of emissions from wood-pellet production found more than 55 hazardous air pollutants, along with more than 10,000 tons of volatile organic compounds and more than 14,000 tons of particulate matter in annual emissions. (Andrei Merkulov/ Adobe Stock)

New report finds biomass energy may pose greater health risks across NC

A new report showed biomass energy and wood-pellet production may be worse for human health and air pollution in comparison to fossil fuels across Nor…

According to TheWorldCounts.com, more than 48 million tons of electronic waste have been thrown out, a growing issue because of the toxic chemicals that can have dangerous health impacts such as birth defects and kidney damage. (Adobe Stock)

NC lawmakers push for repair scores to reduce electronic waste

Legislators in North Carolina and across the country are demanding more information for residents about longevity and repairability of tech devices…

This year's Blue Sky Award recipients include environmental justice advocate Sherri White-Williamson, community leader Ron Ross, electric vehicle proponent Ray Addison II, CleanAIRE NC Board Chair Kwame Alexander, and educator Yancey Fouch� with the Davidson Sustainability Scholars program. (Adobe Stock)

Climate advocates honored at CleanAIRE NC annual fundraiser

This Saturday, North Carolinians who are dedicated to fighting climate change and air pollution will be honored at the annual CleanAIRE Affair …

When fossil fuels are burned, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the air. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming. (Adobe Stock)

NC Christian leaders shift focus to climate change for All Saints Day

Today is All Saints' Day and in addition to remembering loved ones no longer with us, some Christian leaders in North Carolina are shifting their …

The Inflation Reduction Act and other federal legislation are putting hundreds of billions of dollars toward programs to spur clean energy usage, but many energy companies aren't using the money. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: NC utility slow to shift away from fossil fuel dependence

New data from the Sierra Club shows Duke energy is slow to reduce fossil fuel dependence and lower costs for customers. The utility and its …

Bats are the only mammals capable of self-powered flight, and account for about one in five of all mammals on earth. There are around 1,300 bat species worldwide. (Anastasiia/ Adobe Stock)

Wildlife advocates: Bats provide $50 billion worth of natural pest control

As Halloween approaches and thoughts may turn to spooky bat costumes, advocates for endangered species are reminding everyone bats are not creatures …

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, leaves and other yard debris account for more than 13% of the nation's solid waste. (Sarah Wilson/Adobe Stock)

Leaving leaves: A green alternative to raking NC yards

As fall approaches, North Carolinians are gearing up for their annual task of raking leaves. However, a survey conducted by the National Wildlife …

n 2021, 103,854 North Carolina workers were employed in clean-energy jobs. The Inflation Reduction Act will expand these opportunities, bringing an estimated $2.7 billion of investment in large-scale clean-power generation and storage to North Carolina between now and 2030. (Adobe Stock)

NC businesses leverage Inflation Reduction Act for greener future

As more companies embrace sustainable practices, businesses in North Carolina are leading the charge through innovative initiatives with funds from …

Atrium Health is one of the businesses committing to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Care Sector Pledge, aiming to reduce emissions by 50% percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NC Faces Urgent Need for Clean Air, Climate Action

North Carolina is grappling with the consequences of climate change, with sweltering summers, a surge in wildfires, and frequent extreme weather …

Restaurant Opportunities Centers United reports, based on comments of more than 500 restaurant workers gathered in response to OSHA's proposed indoor and outdoor heat standards, many restaurants are inadequately prepared to mitigate the impact and have shown a disregard for keeping their workers safe and healthy. (Rade Lukovic/Adobe Stock)<br />

Restaurant Workers Battle Against Rising Heat for Safer Working Conditions

Restaurant workers are feeling the heat now more than ever as they battle hotter working conditions due to climate change, and they are calling for …

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the proposed standards for coal and natural gas power plants would result in avoiding up to 617 million metric tons of total carbon dioxide emissions through 2042. (Adobe Stock)

Deadline Nears to Comment on Proposed NC Pollution Standards

Climate change is a pressing concern as the world deals with heat waves and poor air quality caused by recent wildfires. To safeguard the health and …

Research indicates the marshes provide an estimated protective value of more than $7,000 per acre, annually, from storm surge and flooding alone. (Davide Bonaldo/Adobe Stock)

New Plan Aims to Preserve NC Coastal Landscapes

North Carolina's 220,000 acres of salt marsh are in danger of being drowned out or washed away, but groups around the state are banning together to …

About 5.7 million acres of North Carolina or 17% of the state is made up of wetlands, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. (Adobe Stock)

Sportsmen's Group Voices Concern Over SCOTUS Wetlands Ruling

Conservation and sportsmen's groups are voicing concerns that wetlands areas are now in jeopardy of being drained and developed or otherwise eliminate…

According to the East Coast Greenway Alliance, 50 million bike rides, runs and walks occur every year along the project's existing route. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina Greenways: A Path to Health, Happiness, and Economic Growth

By Ashira Morris for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North Carolina News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalis…

Union County averaged 1.3 high ozone days giving them a

NC Air Report Highlights Needs for Emission Reduction, Rural Air Monitoring

A new study emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced air quality monitoring in rural regions, while drawing attention to the efforts required to …

The North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management estimates Hurricane Florence caused $17 billion in damage. (Adobe Stock)

Bill Aims to Help Hurricane Survivors Build Homes Faster

A new bill aimed at the disaster-relief program Rebuild NC could help storm-displaced North Carolinians get back into their homes faster. Under …

Farmland makes up about 8.3 million acres in North Carolina, and agriculture employs one in six people in the state. (Andrii Yalanskyi/Adobe Stock)

NC Farmers Count On Congress for Support to Fight Climate Change

North Carolina farmers are monitoring a bill that's been revived in Congress, aimed at improving farm sustainability and reducing the agriculture …

Flooding is North Carolina's second-most common natural hazard, occurring on average every 7.5 days, according to data from North Carolina Flood Insurance. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Groups Focus on Climate, Flood Resilience in Western NC

More than 100 people will gather this week in Asheville to brainstorm ways to improve flood resilience in Western North Carolina. Historically…

People have increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the air by 40% since the late 1700s. (Adobe Stock)

NC BREATHE Conference: Climate Concerns for Vulnerable Communities

North Carolina groups are gathering to tackle the main challenges climate change presents to local communities at today's NC BREATHE Conference in Cha…

Anyone can get lung cancer from radon, including people who have never smoked. (Waseem Ali Khan/Adobe Stock)

NC Officials Encourage Testing for Radon

As January comes to a close so does Radon Action Month, but officials want North Carolinians to test for the poisonous gas this winter. Radon is a …

The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that in 2021, diesel fuel consumption spewed about 472 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. (Adobe Stock)<br />

North Carolina Seeks Input from Residents on Advanced Clean Trucks Rule

North Carolina's Department of Environmental Quality hosts a virtual public information session today on changes the state is considering to boost the…

Air pollution irritates the lungs and respiratory system, and even healthy people can have trouble taking deep breaths on

Current NC Carbon Plan Falls Short on Public Health

The North Carolina Utilities Commission is expected to release its final Carbon Plan by the end of the year. Critics say the current plan, which …

The Volkswagen Settlement will fund 161 new school buses across the state, the majority of which will be electric. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Clean School Bus Program Awards Five Districts in North Carolina

Five school districts in North Carolina have been awarded more than $12 million in funding for cleaner school buses. The Environmental Protection …

A 2021 report from the Energy Transition Institute puts the

Critics Say Utilities Panel Not Doing Enough to Shape NC Carbon Plan

Advocates are contending North Carolina state agencies are not doing enough to slow down the devastating impacts of climate change. Last year Gov…

An estimated six million children with asthma in the United States are especially vulnerable to air pollution, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

Behind Schedule, Mountain Valley Pipeline Wants Permit Extension

Developers of a more than 300-mile natural gas pipeline which would run through North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia wants a permit extension …

As of June 30, 2021, the number of small businesses open in the U.S. had decreased by 47.8% compared to January 2020, <a href=

according to the Alliance to Save Energy. (Adobe Stock)">

Climate Change, Extreme Temps Affect NC Black-Owned Small Businesses

A new Pew Research poll finds Americans are split on how to tackle climate change. In North Carolina, small Black-owned businesses say they're …

The United States has approximately 3.8 million acres of salt marshes, according to The Pew Charitable Trusts. (Adobe Stock)

Multi-State Salt Marsh Conservation Planning Under Way

A plan to conserve more than one million acres of salt marsh stretching from North Carolina to northeast Florida is beginning to take shape. …

Electric-car sales reached a record 3 million in 2020, up 40% from 2019, according to the International Energy Agency. (Adobe Stock)

NC Pushes for Electric Trucks, School Buses to Cut Carbon Emissions

North Carolina businesses and advocacy groups want Gov. Roy Cooper to adopt new heavy-duty electric-vehicle rules by the end of next year. They say …

Under legislation passed in 2021, North Carolina has set goal to cut carbon emissions from energy plants owned and/or operated by Duke Energy by 70% from 2005 levels by 2030, and reach carbon neutrality by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

Hearings Offer Chance to Comment on Duke Energy's Carbon Plan

A series of in-person hearings across the state in the coming weeks will give North Carolinians a chance for input on a proposal by Duke Energy to cut…

Research published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found air pollution emitted by livestock waste and fertilizer application across the United States contributes significantly to premature deaths in nearby communities. (Adobe Stock)

Push to Weigh Cumulative Impacts of Air Pollution in NC Permitting Process

Environmental groups are pushing for changes to North Carolina's industry-permitting process, which they say does not account for the cumulative …

The 2020 North Carolina Climate Science Report stated,

NC Faith Leaders Call on U.S. to Pay 'Fair Share' for Climate-Related Loss

Faith and climate leaders convene in Charlotte this week, as the Southeast Climate and Energy Network and US Climate Action Network join forces…

Old-growth forests hold far more carbon than younger forests, helping to protect people from fossil-fuel emissions, according to research published in National Geographic. (Adobe Stock)

NC Groups Hope White House Works to Protect Old-Growth Forests

By Bryce Oates for The Daily Yonder. Broadcast version by Chance Dorland for North Carolina News Service, reporting for The Daily Yonder-Public News …

Although some hellbender populations remain healthy, it is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN and is close to qualifying for Vulnerable status. The Ozark Hellbender, a subspecies, was listed as endangered federally in 2011, according to the Nature Conservatory. (Paula Worden/Resource Institute)

NC Habitat Increased for Endangered North American Salamander

Protecting North Carolina's rivers and streams is good for residents, wildlife and even salamanders. Recent work along Hog Lot Creek and Bates …

North Carolina will fall short of its 2025 and 2030 climate targets without additional policies put in place to curb emissions, says a new report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Without Action, NC Will Fall Short on 2025 Climate Goals

Executive orders aimed at driving down greenhouse-gas emissions are still not enough to reach North Carolina's 50% reduction goal by 2030, a report …

Harmful chemicals known as PFAS have been detected in the drinking water of nearly two dozen public water systems across North Carolina, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (Adobe Stock)

Environmental Leaders Gather in NC for Health-Equity Conference

National environmental leaders gather this week in Salisbury to discuss how North Carolina can better address the disproportionate public health impac…

(A drone photograph shows residential docks spanning a salt marsh in Wrightsville Beach. Salt marshes in North Carolina are being pushed back by rising sea waters, but aren't always able to retreat because of coastal development, leaving them to shrink. (Travis Long)

NC’s Salt Marshes Hold 64 Million Tons of CO2; What Happens if They Die?

By Adam Wagner for McClatchy News and The Raleigh News and Observer, with support from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.Broadcast version by …

Plastic and litter pollution disproportionately affects marginalized communities, where residents often live in close proximity to plastic-production and waste sites, according to the United Nations Environment Program. (Adobe Stock)

During Black History Month, NC Groups Push for More Say on Climate Policies

North Carolina environmental-justice groups are calling for increased representation in crafting state policies related to environmental issues…

Open windows in the dock house at Bowen's Island look out on the Folly River and surrounding marsh, on Aug. 11, 2021. (Jason Lee)

A Million Acres of ‘Priceless’ Marshes: At Risk from Rising Tides?

By Sammy Fretwell, Adam Wagner and Anita Lee for McClatchy News and The Raleigh News and Observer, with support fromthe Pulitzer Center on Crisis …

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NC: Environment