Environmental Protection Agency Coverage

North Carolina's Solar for All initiative receives $156 million grant from EPA

The funding aims to empower households across the state, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities, to leverage the benefits of affordable and reliable solar energy.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter

Head of EPA visits Fayetteville to announce new limits for PFAS in drinking water

U.S. and local environmental leaders on Wednesday will announce the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful PFAS, also known as forever chemicals.

US visits Fayetteville to announce first-ever limits on PFAs in drinking water

White House officials on Wednesday morning spoke at an event in Fayetteville to announce protections for drinking water. Researchers discovered PFAS contamination in the Cape Fear River drinking water supply in 2017, including forever chemicals uniquely linked to the Chemours Fayetteville Works plant, formerly owned by DuPont.

New rules aim to make drinking water safer in North Carolina by removing toxic chemicals

The Environmental Protection Agency is finalizing the nation's first-ever drinking water standards for five forever chemicals or PFAS. The chemicals are present in drinking water systems across North Carolina and studies have linked PFAS to health risks including cancer and developmental problems in children.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter

New EPA rule to impact three NC chemical plants

More than 200 chemical plants nationwide will be required to reduce toxic emissions that are likely to cause cancer under a new rule issued Tuesday by the Environmental Protection Agency.

To Cut Cancer Risks, EPA Limits Pollution From Chemical Plants

More than 200 chemical plants across the country will be required to curb the toxic pollutants they release into the air under a regulation announced by the Biden administration Tuesday.

Lisa Friedman, New York Times

New EPA rule says 218 US chemical plants must reduce toxic emissions that are likely to cause cancer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- More than 200 chemical plants nationwide will be required to reduce toxic emissions that are likely to cause cancer under a new rule issued Tuesday by the Environmental Protection Agency. The rule advances President Joe Biden's commitment to environmental justice by delivering critical health protections for communities burdened by industrial pollution from ethylene oxide, chloroprene and other dangerous chemicals, officials said.

By Matthew Daly, Associated Press and Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter

Lead water pipes need to be replaced nationwide. NC small towns are struggling with the cost

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to replace more than 9 million lead water pipes across the country, but it's a large lift for some small towns like Mount Olive.

Shelle Jackson, WRAL reporter

EPA chief speaks at UNC Cleantech Summit

Michael Regan says the EPA has been working with labor, industry, and environmental stakeholders to make sure emissions rules are achievable and durable.

EPA relaxes emissions standards to ensure longevity of rules

EPA Administrator Michael Regan spoke about new emissions standards at the UNC Cleantech Summit.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL Climate Change Reporter

G.K.BUTTERFIELD & IVAN URLAUB: North Carolina's secret weapon in the climate crisis

Wednesday, March 13, 2024 -- While we applaud the EPA for pushing companies to fight climate change, the agency should also revive the innovative Renewable Fuel Standard proposal to make its climate-fighting plans work even faster.

Nearly Half the States Sue EPA Over New Limits on Deadly Pollution

Manufacturers and 24 states sued the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday over the Biden administration's decision to tighten limits on fine industrial particles, one of the most common and deadliest forms of air pollution.

Lisa Friedman, New York Times

How safe is your tap water?

WRAL News tested tap water across the region and found forever chemicals in most of North Carolina's drinking water.

Liz McLaughin, WRAL climate change reporter

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the weeks ending Feb. 1 and Feb. 8

A look at how North Carolina members of Congress voted in recent weeks.

Targeted News Service

More areas in 5 Durham parks restricted due to elevated lead levels, new EPA guidlines

Durham will fence off more parkland due to lead. According to documents provided to WRAL News, additional fencing will be added to 35 acres in five parks with high lead levels.

EPA wants to label 9 'forever chemicals' hazardous

The EPA wants to designate nine compounds, known as "forever chemicals," as hazardous. Also known as PFAs, they're resistant to breakdown and are prevalent in household items and public water systems. Labeling them as hazardous will speed up government cleanup efforts. Thousands of PFAs are commonly found in cookware, carpet and clothing.

NC will get 114 more electric school buses. Here's where they'll go

The buses are part of a more than $1 billion investment in electric buses nationwide.

Emily Walkenhorst, WRAL education reporter

BOB KEEFE: Strong EPA rules can deliver on North Carolina's clean economy promise

Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 -- To protect our environment and North Carolina we must do more than just expand clean energy. We must also reduce pollution from dirty energy sources - namely power plants and cars. That's why it's so important that the EPA, led by N.C. native Michael Regan, adopt strong standards to cut carbon pollution from power plants and vehicles.

EPA proposes requirement to remove lead pipes from US water systems within 10 years

The US Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a rule that would require water systems across the country to replace millions of lead service lines within 10 years. The rule would accelerate progress toward the Biden administration goal of removing 100% of lead pipes; lead exposure is linked to significant health and developmental problems, especially for children. The EPA proposal said lines must be replaced within 10 years

Deidre McPhillips, CNN

EPA monitoring four other sites statewide, database reveals

The EPA is monitoring at least four other locations around North Carolina for PCB exposure, according to its website.

Rep. Valerie Foushee visits NC superfund sites to celebrate federal funding for cleanup

Rep. Valerie Foushee and other officials visited two Durham area hazardous waste sites that will be cleaned up after $11.3 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL Climate Reporter

Cooper calls for broad study, new mapping tool, for environmental justice

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said his administration will elevate environmental justice issues, telling state agencies to pay more attention to the impacts pollution have on poorer communities.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

EPA proposes sweeping ban on toxic chemical that has contaminated NC drinking water

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a sweeping ban today on a toxic chemical found in cleaning solutions that has been linked to cancer and other health harms. TCE has contaminated drinking water in North Carolina, including private wells in Wake County and at Camp LeJeune.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL Climate Change Reporter

EPA: More drinking water systems across NC contain toxic 'forever chemicals'

Newly-released EPA data shows dozens of additional drinking water systems in North Carolina are contaminated with toxic forever chemicals.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL Climate Change Reporter

EPA: 20 more NC sites contains PFAS

On Tuesday, dozens of drinking water sources in North Carolina have been identified as containing toxic forever chemicals. WRAL climate change reporter Liz McLaughlin breaks down the new sites identified in central North Carolina and what the contamination could mean for your health.