How N.C. Republicans Are Shaping Environmental Justice and Advancing Clean Energy Jobs: Insights from Inside Climate News

Lawmakers in North Carolina are proposing significant budget cuts that could affect environmental programs. These cuts could eliminate over 25 jobs and crucial initiatives aimed at promoting environmental justice, education, and clean energy, totaling nearly $736,000. Meanwhile, the Environmental Management Commission, led by Republicans, would see a new five-member staff with a $700,000 budget.

Rep. John Torbett, co-chair of the Interim House Select Committee on Government Efficiency, expressed that North Carolinians deserve a government that truly serves them. He criticized current policies like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, suggesting they hinder agencies from fulfilling their responsibilities to the public.

This strategy mirrors actions taken by the Trump administration, which disbanded environmental justice offices within the EPA. In North Carolina, a similar program within the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is on the chopping block due to proposed budget changes.

Michael Regan, a former DEQ Secretary who later served as EPA administrator, initiated several environmental justice efforts after being appointed by Democrat Gov. Roy Cooper in 2017. His programs encouraged community engagement in environmental issues, including public hearings and creating tools for residents to assess pollution impacts in their neighborhoods.

The environmental justice initiative also developed a statewide mapping system, which shows pollution sources along with census data and health statistics. While some environmental groups criticize the program for not preventing polluting industries from entering vulnerable neighborhoods, they hope new leadership will make a difference.

Sherri White-Williamson, co-founder of the Environmental Justice Community Advocates Network, expressed cautious optimism. She noted the importance of having a responsive team at DEQ to address long-standing issues in vulnerable communities.

In addition to cuts at DEQ, the Office of Clean Energy Economic Development (CEED) within the Department of Commerce is also facing elimination. CEED has been vital in propelling North Carolina into the clean energy race, as the state positions itself for new projects like the U.S. facility of Canadian solar panel manufacturer Opsun.

Patrice Bethea, spokesperson for the Commerce Department, highlighted the critical role of CEED. The program assists North Carolina in meeting growing energy demands, especially as corporations aim for reduced carbon footprints.

The clean energy landscape is shifting. While Duke Energy has proposed revisions to its carbon plans, some skepticism remains regarding its commitment to more aggressive climate goals. Recent legislation, Senate Bill 261, would ease carbon reduction requirements, a change that has sparked debate among environmental advocates.

The proposed budget is now moving through the legislature, with a deadline for final approval looming. As these cuts approach, the future of environmental programs in North Carolina hangs in the balance.

For further details on the impacts of these proposed changes, resources like the [Environmental Protection Agency](https://www.epa.gov) provide insight into environmental policy and initiatives that are crucial for public awareness.

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