Once, Charlotte, North Carolina, was known for its thick smog. The Bank of America Corporate Center, the tallest building in the city, often appeared hidden under a gloomy veil of pollution.
Fortunately, things have changed. Stronger regulations in North Carolina have improved air quality over the years. But the recent proposal to roll back greenhouse gas emission standards by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) threatens this progress.
This summer, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to rescind a key 2009 finding that recognized greenhouse gases—like carbon dioxide and methane—as harmful to health and the environment. If these regulations are repealed, it could lead to more emissions from cars and trucks, impacting air quality even further.
A recent study by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality revealed that emissions from vehicles could rise significantly in Mecklenburg County. This area is already on the brink of failing to meet federal air quality standards. Even slight increases in pollutants like nitrogen oxide and particulate matter (PM 2.5) can affect the health of the community, increasing risks of heart issues, respiratory problems, and even complications in pregnancy.
Mike Abraczinskas, director of the N.C. Division of Air Quality, shared that if these standards are eliminated, Mecklenburg County could see an uptick of 470 tons of harmful emissions by 2035. By 2050, that number could double to 940 tons.
Despite the EPA’s claims that repealing these regulations won’t significantly affect general air quality, experts remain skeptical. The agency admitted that there could be some impact on emissions and air toxins. Many local officials worry that removing these safeguards will hinder efforts to maintain clean air amidst growing traffic and urban development.
Jeffrey Robbins, executive director of CleanAIRE NC, highlighted a critical environmental issue. He pointed out that plans to widen Interstate 77 would lead to increased vehicle traffic in historically Black neighborhoods, exposing residents to more pollution. This situation raises concerns about environmental justice, as the most affected communities often lack the resources to combat these challenges.
Recently, Mecklenburg County recorded its best air quality in years, with no ozone standard violations thanks to favorable weather. Still, the average ozone level hovered close to the federal limit, leaving little room for error.
There’s a growing sense of urgency. If the EPA’s new proposal goes through, local governments may have to find alternative methods to reduce emissions to meet health standards. Community members can also take action, such as combining errands or choosing public transportation to limit pollution exposure.
As air quality remains a pressing public health concern, experts warn against rolling back hard-fought environmental protections. With climate change intensifying natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, the stakes are higher than ever for North Carolina’s air quality and public health.
As it stands, the EPA has yet to finalize the repeal. They must first review the thousands of public comments received on the proposal, making it a pivotal moment for air quality in Charlotte and beyond.
For more information on this ongoing issue, visit the [EPA’s proposed rule page](https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/proposed-rule-reconsideration-2009-endangerment-finding) and the [N.C. Department of Environmental Quality documentation](https://edocs.deq.nc.gov/AirQuality/DocView.aspx?id=583309&dbid=0&repo=AirQuality&cr=1).
