As North Carolina continues to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene and battles ongoing wildfires across the state, the Trump administration—along with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency—has set its sights on slashing federal spending, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as its latest target, according to WECT.
“When we invest in our infrastructure, we build a stronger and safer state for every North Carolinian,” said Governor Josh Stein in a press release. “This funding will help ensure more North Carolinians have access to safe and clean drinking water and will strengthen our communities for decades to come.”
Following a judge’s ruling that halted state-imposed discharge limits, Asheboro has dramatically increased its release of the chemical into the Cape Fear River watershed, raising concerns for downstream communities.
Stein prioritized housing survivors, supporting businesses, and strengthening infrastructure in the mountain regions. He also shared stories of local residents he had met, including the operator of an AM radio station in Haywood County, a Watauga County business owner, and a McDowell County restaurateur.
Dr. Jordan Poler’s “cocktail” effectively removes contaminants from drinking water, including PFAS, pharmaceuticals and heavy metals.
For North Carolina, another Trump era could set back progress made by local organizations, activists, and the Governor’s Environmental Justice Advisory Council.
“It’s not just the crop loss. It’s the land,” said Karen Blaedow, Henderson County’s horticultural agent. “Repairing the land is going to be the most costly part of the recovery.”
North Carolina is emerging as a leading state in the clean energy revolution, with a surge of innovative projects and job opportunities.
The nine-foot-long, 855-pound female manatee was reported to the Outer Banks Marine Mammal Stranding Network in late October after it was spotted near Kitty Hawk showing “concerning behavior.”
Gov.-elect Josh Stein will need to hit the ground running once he takes office in January 2025 because he will immediately be faced with a