Press Releases

Air quality officials issue health notice for Eastern North Carolina

Air quality officials have issued an advisory for air pollution in eastern North Carolina on Wednesday and Thursday as smoke from wildfires drifts downwind. Residents from Elizabeth City to Washington, New Bern and Havelock could experience unhealthy air quality, depending on wind directions.

Director of state coastal division named to lead state fisheries division

State environmental department Secretary Donald R. van der Vaart today named Braxton Davis, director of the state Division of Coastal Management, to lead the state’s Division of Marine Fisheries effective immediately.

SELC admits McCrory administration is doing more to protect the environment

During a town hall meeting in Walnut Cove on Thursday, a Southern Environmental Law Center attorney acknowledged that Governor McCrory has done more to address the decades-old problem of coal ash than the previous North Carolina governor.

North Carolina to take extra steps to protect minority communities

North Carolina’s chief environmental agency announced today that it will go beyond state and federal requirements to ensure minority communities are not negatively impacted by Duke Energy coal ash landfills.

Ozone Season Starts Friday

The ozone season begins Friday as state and local environmental agencies renew their daily air quality forecasts for ozone in metropolitan areas across North Carolina. 

State signs agreement to allow redevelopment of land for Asheville sports complex

State officials have signed an agreement that will allow a company to safely transform a former industrial landfill into a large sports complex with greenways and ballfields in Asheville.     

MEDIA ADVISORY: Public invited to meeting on Marshall Steam Station’s coal ash risk classifications

WHAT: Public meeting on the draft proposed coal ash risk classifications for Marshall Steam Station

WHEN: 6 p.m. March 29 (registration for speakers starts at 5:30 p.m.)

MEDIA ADVISORY: State seeks public feedback on Belews Creek Steam Station coal ash risk classifications

WHAT: Public meeting on the draft proposed coal ash risk classifications for Belews Creek Steam Station

WHEN: 6 p.m. March 24 (registration for speakers starts at 5:30 p.m.)

Pollen Levels Nearing Peak Season

March Madness isn’t just about basketball; it also can describe the pollen season.

Pollen levels in North Carolina generally reach their highest levels in early to mid-spring when many native trees are flowering, so many pollen sufferers are approaching their most maddening season.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Public invited to meeting on G.G. Allen Steam Station’s coal ash risk classifications

WHAT: Public meeting on the draft proposed coal ash risk classifications for G.G. Allen Steam Station

WHEN: 6 p.m. March 22 (registration for speakers starts at 5 p.m.)