North Raleigh Today

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) State Energy Office is conducting additional public engagement sessions to discuss the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) as part of the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant's (CPRG) initiative. These sessions, held in February and March, aim to provide information and collect feedback on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The CPRG program, under the federal Inflation Reduction Act, offers funding to states, local governments, territories, and tribes for developing plans to reduce harmful air pollutants. North Carolina's planning project involves multiple agencies including the Department of Transportation and the Department of Commerce.

North Carolina received $3 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for this planning phase. The state submitted a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) in 2024 and is now working on a CCAP due in 2025. The PCAP outlined priority measures for greenhouse gas reduction and equitable implementation methods. The CCAP will expand upon these strategies using updated science and best practices.

Public engagement is crucial for incorporating existing community climate strategies into current measures prioritized by the PCAP. New initiatives or ideas related to greenhouse gas reduction are also welcome for discussion. Feedback will guide DEQ's future projects and priorities.

Engagement sessions are available both virtually and in-person with details provided online. Two upcoming in-person meetings include:

- Roanoke Rapids: March 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., Center for Energy Education.

- Wilmington: March 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., New Hanover County Arboretum.

A formal public comment period on the draft CCAP will open in August 2025. Public input can also be sent via email or voicemail as detailed by DEQ.

For more information about CPRG and previous sessions visit their webpage. Contact Sascha Medina for input in languages other than English.