Sushma Masemore Deputy Secretary for Environment | North Carolina Department Of Environmental Quality
Sushma Masemore Deputy Secretary for Environment | North Carolina Department Of Environmental Quality
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) State Energy Office is conducting 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).
The CPRG program, a component of the federal Inflation Reduction Act, allocates funds to states, local governments, territories, and tribes for developing and implementing plans to lower greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollutants. In North Carolina, this planning project involves collaboration with the Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce, Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, with DEQ as the lead agency.
North Carolina received $3 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the planning phase. As required by the program, North Carolina developed a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) in 2024. The state is now working on a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), due in 2025. The PCAP identified priority measures for reducing greenhouse gases and ensured equitable implementation across North Carolina. The CCAP will expand upon these strategies using updated science and best practices.
DEQ invites public input on existing community climate strategies or new ideas that could further reduce emissions. Feedback will guide DEQ's direction and priorities for future projects. Residents can attend sessions virtually or in person.
Upcoming sessions include:
- Morganton: March 13 at Western Piedmont Community College Foothills Higher Education Center.
- Roanoke Rapids: March 20 at Center for Energy Education.
- Wilmington: March 27 at New Hanover County Arboretum.
A formal comment period on the draft CCAP will open in August 2025. Public input can also be sent via email to cprg@deq.nc.gov or voicemail at (919) 707-8672.
For more information about CPRG or past sessions, visit their webpage.
To provide input in Spanish or another language, contact Sascha Medina.
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