The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has implemented adjustments to certain fees and rates for its programs, effective July 1, 2025. This move is in line with General Statute 143B-279.19, aimed at supporting the delivery of services and issuance of environmental permits.
The changes are a response to increasing technical complexity, operating costs, and labor requirements for DEQ programs. The revenue generated from these fee adjustments will help DEQ continue providing essential services to residents and businesses in North Carolina while meeting the state’s growing needs.
According to § 143B-279.19, “the fees and rates imposed pursuant to the statutes listed in this subsection shall be adjusted in accordance with the Consumer Price Index computed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics during the prior two bienniums.” Fees previously changed in 2023 have been adjusted based only on the prior biennium. More details can be found in the Legislative Report submitted to the NC General Assembly on April 1, 2025.
For those interested, a comprehensive list of fee adjustments is available on the DEQ website.
