Sushma Masemore Deputy Secretary for Environment | North Carolina Department Of Environmental Quality
Sushma Masemore Deputy Secretary for Environment | North Carolina Department Of Environmental Quality
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) State Energy Office is expanding its public engagement sessions related to the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant’s (CPRG) Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP). These sessions, taking place in February and March, aim to provide information and gather feedback on efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The CPRG program, part of the federal Inflation Reduction Act, allocates funds to states, local governments, territories, and tribes for developing plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants. The planning project in North Carolina involves collaboration between several state departments including Transportation, Commerce, Natural and Cultural Resources with DEQ leading the effort.
North Carolina received $3 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the planning phase of the CPRG. As per program requirements, a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) was developed and submitted in 2024. Now, North Carolina is working on a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan due in 2025. The PCAP outlined priority measures for reducing greenhouse gases while ensuring equitable implementation across communities. The CCAP will expand on these strategies using current scientific data and best practices.
Public input is being sought by DEQ on existing community climate strategies or new ideas that could further reduce emissions as reflected in the PCAP's prioritized measures. Residents can discuss new initiatives since the PCAP's publication during these sessions. This feedback will guide DEQ's future priorities and projects. Engagement opportunities are available both virtually and in-person.
Two upcoming public engagement sessions are scheduled:
- Roanoke Rapids: March 20 at 6:00 p.m., Center for Energy Education.
- Wilmington: March 27 at 6:00 p.m., New Hanover County Arboretum.
A formal public comment period on the draft CCAP will open in August 2025. Feedback can also be sent via email to cprg@deq.nc.gov or by voicemail at (919) 707-8757.
For more information about the CPRG program or past public sessions, visit their webpage. Those wishing to provide input in languages other than English should contact Sascha Medina.
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