Environment

Protecting our Environment

Protecting our state’s natural resources is critical for our families and our economy. North Carolina is a proud leader in renewable energy. We are second in the nation in solar energy, creating thousands of jobs and reducing harmful emissions. Governor Cooper supports continued investments in renewable energy that advance our economy and help our environment.

Governor Cooper is also leading the fight to protect North Carolina’s coast from offshore drilling. Offshore drilling threatens North Carolina’s $3 billion coastal tourism industry and could cost the commercial and recreational fishing communities hundreds of millions of dollars. Governor Cooper is working across party lines with other state and local leaders to stand up to the federal government and say, “not off our coast.”

To ensure North Carolina’s commitment to fight climate change and lead North Carolina’s transition to a clean energy economy, Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 80. The executive order calls for the State of North Carolina to protect North Carolina’s environment while growing clean energy technologies.

Every family in North Carolina deserves access to clean drinking water and air. Governor Cooper is pushing to ensure that North Carolina has the resources we need to keep our environment safe and hold polluters accountable.  His budget invests in more resources to analyze pollutants, encourage clean energy, and protect waterways and green space. Learn more about how Governor Cooper wants to invest in protecting our environment.