North Wake News

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) State Energy Office is expanding its public engagement sessions to gather feedback on its initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This effort is part of the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant’s (CPRG) Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP). These sessions will take place in February and March.

The CPRG program, a component of the federal Inflation Reduction Act, provides funding to states, local governments, territories, and tribes for developing plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants. The North Carolina planning project involves multiple state departments with DEQ as the lead agency.

North Carolina received $3 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the planning phase. In 2024, North Carolina submitted a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), identifying key measures for reducing emissions. The ongoing development of a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) is due in 2025 and aims to expand upon existing strategies using updated science and best practices.

DEQ seeks public input on integrating community climate strategies into these efforts. Sessions will discuss new initiatives related to emission reduction since the PCAP's publication. Public feedback will shape future projects and priorities.

Engagement sessions are scheduled as follows:

- Session #5: In-person at Center for Energy Education, Roanoke Rapids on March 20 at 6:00 p.m.

- Session #6: In-person at New Hanover County Arboretum, Wilmington on March 27 at 6:00 p.m.

A formal comment period for the draft CCAP will open in August 2025. Comments can also be sent via email or voicemail as provided by DEQ.

For more information about CPRG or past sessions, visit their webpage. For non-English speakers wishing to provide input, contact Sascha Medina.