Unveiling North Carolina’s Environmental Health Challenges: Insights and Solutions for a Sustainable Future

A recent report outlines actions North Carolina can take to tackle urgent environmental health issues. This report comes from the 2024 NC BREATHE conference in Durham, where over 200 participants, including researchers and community members, gathered for discussions.

Emily Wolfe, a health manager from CleanAIRE NC, emphasized the threat of PFAS chemicals, which pose significant health risks, including increased cancer rates. “It’s vital to educate the public about these issues so they can advocate for themselves,” she said.

The report also stresses the importance of holding policymakers accountable to enhance public health protections. Another critical topic at the conference was the impact of extreme heat, particularly on vulnerable populations, such as low-income families and communities of color. Wolfe highlighted that while utility disconnections are restricted in winter, there are no such protections during sweltering summer months. This can lead to severe safety issues if people can’t pay their power bills.

Justin Cook, a climate journalist, discussed the mental health effects of climate change. He noted how extreme weather can leave people feeling lost. “Taking action gives people a sense of purpose and helps them cope,” he stated.

In another significant development, a judge ruled that officials in St. James Parish, Louisiana, violated open meeting laws by secretly meeting with a Chinese company proposing a new chemical plant. The community group RISE St. James filed the complaint back in 2019. After a lengthy court battle, the judge found that local leaders met without proper public notice.

Sharon Lavigne, the group’s director, described the situation as frustrating. “St. James is filled with heavy industry. We’re already struggling,” she said, highlighting the high cancer rates in the region, known as Cancer Alley.

Despite the favorable ruling, local officials faced no fines, only paying the legal fees of RISE St. James. Lavigne was surprised by the court’s decision, stating, “I didn’t expect a victory because these meetings often happen without our knowledge.”

In Illinois, the state plans to invest $1.5 billion by 2027 to upgrade its electrical grid, with a strong focus on environmental justice. Around 40% of these investments will aim to support underserved communities. Brad Klein from the Environmental Law and Policy Center noted the importance of understanding service disparities and ensuring all communities get fair access to clean energy resources.

The Illinois Commerce Commission rejected initial proposals from utility companies because they didn’t show how they would help disadvantaged neighborhoods. Revised plans now include upgrades for better reliability and easier access to solar energy.

While customers will see some bill increases—averaging about $22 per year—these upgrades seek to create more affordable clean energy options in the long run.

Looking ahead, despite potential setbacks at the federal level, North Carolina remains focused on its environmental goals. Brittany Griffin from CleanAIRE NC highlighted the importance of state-led efforts. “Our General Assembly has changed, and we’re optimistic about addressing environmental issues,” she said. They aim to involve more community voices in shaping future policies.