Friends of the Earth Celebrates Executive Action on Environmental Justice in North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. – Today, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 292, “Advancing Environmental Justice in North Carolina.” The action creates a new Environmental Justice Advisory Council within the Governor’s office; directs cabinet agencies to develop environmental justice-related goals with measurable objectives; and creates a mapping tool of pollution in communities.  

Friends of the Earth has worked in tandem with North Carolina’s impacted communities for years to push the Governor to adopt stronger environmental justice practices, including increased community representation in environmental permitting and decision-making. 

Donna Chavis, Climate & Energy Justice Program Manager at Friends of the Earth and member of the Lumbee Nation, issued the following statement: 

Governor Cooper’s announcement is welcome news for those of us who have long been fighting to elevate environmental justice issues in North Carolina.  

This positive step forward shows his administration is listening to those bearing the brunt of the climate crisis. Adding these crucial accountability measures will help increase cabinet agency scrutiny of impacts on most vulnerable communities.  

We look forward to working with the Governor to build on this evolutionary work by strengthening and supporting continued outreach and engagement of those most affected by the administration’s policies.

Communications contact: Brittany Miller, [email protected], (202) 222-0746