Press Releases

DEQ recognizes state agencies, universities, community colleges for energy reductions and progress on Executive Order 80 targets

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s State Energy Office recognizes thirteen state agencies, universities and community colleges for their significant energy reductions and progress towards Executive Order 80’s goal.

Water quality swimming advisory lifted for sound-side site in Dare County

State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory at a sound-side site in Dare County.

Reminder: State to hold public input session on the Home Energy Rebates Programs

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will hold a virtual public input session on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., to solicit community feedback on the proposed Home Energy Rebates Programs, under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Virginia Department of Health issues recreational water, fish consumption advisories for waters along NC border

The Virginia Department of Health has issued a recreational swimming and fish consumption advisory for surface waters, including the Meherrin and Roanoke rivers, that extend to the North Carolina-Virginia border. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) is sharing this advisory for public awareness of residents and visitors in the potentially affected areas of Warren, Northampton and Halifax counties near the Virginia border.

State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet July 16 in Raleigh and via teleconference

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet via teleconference on Tuesday, July 16, from 9 a.m.-4:15 p.m. The public may listen to the meeting online or by phone.

New recreational, commercial harvest reporting requirements delayed to Dec. 1, 2025

New harvest reporting requirements for recreational and commercial fisheries have been delayed by one year and will now become effective on Dec. 1, 2025.

Severe, moderate drought expands in North Carolina, extreme drought introduced

The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) has expanded its severe and moderate drought classifications across the state, and introduce the extreme drought classification for part of one county in eastern North Carolina.

Marine Fisheries Division encourages anglers to donate Red Snapper carcasses to science

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries will collect Red Snapper carcasses from recreational fishermen during the July 12 Red Snapper mini-season.

North Carolina Oil and Gas Commission Rules Committee to on Monday July 15, 2024

The North Carolina Oil and Gas Commission Rules Committee will meet from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday July 15, 2024, online via Microsoft Teams.

State coastal agency accepts comments regarding NOAA’s Proposed Rule to Amend the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management is accepting public comment on a request for review of a federal consistency submission from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources proposing amendments to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule (“speed rule”).