Press Releases

March 1 marks the beginning of the 2024 ozone season as state and local environmental agencies renew their daily air quality forecasts for ozone across North Carolina.From now through Oct. 31, the daily air quality forecasts from the North Carolina Division of Air Quality (DAQ) will include ozone in addition to the forecasts for fine particle matter (PM2.5) pollution, which are offered year-round. 

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will hold a special meeting March 13 by web conference to consider adoption of the temporary rules. The meeting will be limited to this one agenda item. Members of the public may join by computer or phone.

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) Science Panel is scheduled to meet via web conference on Feb. 29 to continue its review of Inlet Hazard Area boundaries and recent studies and data on sea level rise. The meeting will commence at 2 p.m. and is open for public listening via computer or phone.

The N.C. Division of Coastal Management (DCM) is accepting applications for grants to improve public beach access for the 2024 fiscal year. Approximately $3 million in funding is available to help local governments in 20 coastal counties improve public access to coastal beaches and waters. The Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access program provides matching funds to local governments to construct low-cost public access facilities.

Are you interested in learning more about southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) in North Carolina? Sign up to attend the North Carolina Southern Flounder Symposium.

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission today took another step toward recovery of the striped mullet fishery, selecting its preferred management options for the Draft Striped Mullet Fishery Management Plan Amendment 2.

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) Science Panel is scheduled to meet via web conference on Feb. 29 to continue its review of Inlet Hazard Area boundaries and recent studies and data on sea level rise. The meeting will commence at 2 p.m. and is open for public listening via computer or phone.

Governor Roy Cooper announced today that communities statewide will receive more than 238 million in water and wastewater infrastructure funding and stormwater planning grants to help pay for 114 projects in 52 counties statewide, including 28 construction projects.

DEQ's Division of Water Resources will hold a public hearing March 20 on a proposed rule change that would allow DWR to certify laboratories to test for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.

Additional financial relief of more than $1.2 million is on its way to eligible members of the fishing industries who sustained income losses from March to December of 2020 due to COVID-19.