South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper has announced the release of a report by the Governor's Environmental Justice Advisory Council, marking an important step in addressing environmental justice concerns in North Carolina. This report follows the reestablishment of the Secretary of Environmental Quality's Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Board through Executive Order No. 292 in October 2023.

The council's report includes 14 recommendations aimed at advancing environmental justice and ensuring that state agencies consider these issues in their decision-making processes. Additionally, over 40 recommendations were made by various subcommittees focused on areas such as mapping tools, cumulative impacts, community engagement, and training.

"As the birthplace of the environmental justice movement, North Carolina is working to level the playing field for impacted communities and preserve and protect our natural lands and resources," stated Governor Cooper. "This report provides important recommendations that will help identify and address environmental justice challenges across our state."

Executive Order 292 promotes a comprehensive approach, instructing the Governor's Office and Cabinet agencies to integrate environmental justice considerations into policies and programs as permitted by law. It also encourages using a statewide environmental justice mapping tool. Since its signing, efforts have been made to engage with affected communities through meetings in Wayne, Halifax, and Stanley counties, as well as a tour of West Badin. The council has gathered public feedback through virtual and in-person meetings to ensure community voices are considered.

"When implemented, our recommendations constitute an evidenced-based and data-driven roadmap for achieving Environmental Justice in our state," said Jim Johnson, PhD, EJ Advisory Council Co-Chair. "We want to ensure that North Carolina is a safe, healthy, and resilient place to live, work, play, and do business for all North Carolinians."

Virginia Guidry, PhD, another co-chair of the council added: "We also initiate a framework for assessing the cumulative impacts of multiple environmental harms on many communities."

The report outlines several key recommendations including creating an Office of Environmental Justice within the Governor’s Office of Public Engagement; collaborating with leaders to ensure accurate mapping tools; developing a North Carolina-specific EJ index; engaging community leaders; requiring EJ training for government employees; among others.

These steps aim to support state agencies' engagement in this work while documenting public feedback from engagement events.