In October, Governor Roy Cooper released his Clean Energy Plan for North Carolina. The plan has two central pledges: a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 – and the state becoming carbon neutral by 2050. WHQR reports on what’s happening locally.
Blake Fleming, an organizer for environmental advocacy group the Sierra Club, tracks which counties and municipalities have passed resolutions aiming for a carbon-free future:
"They do have to have a firm community-wide commitment by 2050 towards 100% clean, renewable energy, 80% by 2030. We do know these are resolutions, and these are really ambitious goals, but these actions by the local officials show that they will prioritize this as one of their leading issues."
There are 25 local governments, including places like Wake County and the City of Asheville that have made the pledge.
Here in the Cape Fear Region, the City of Wilmington did pass a resolution in 2017.
The City now has a full-time staff member dedicated to environmental sustainability, is expanding recycling in public spaces, and adding two new electric charging stations. A city spokesperson says they’re also buying an electric truck.
New Hanover County hasn’t yet made any carbon reduction or climate pledges.
Editor's Note: The city is buying 3 electric trucks.