Gov. Roy Cooper's proposed budget released today (Wednesday, April 24) takes a laudably holistic approach to prioritizing clean energy and promoting conservation of natural resources.
Cooper's proposal comes as the N.C. General Assembly convenes for the 2024 "short session," in which adjustments to the state budget can be made.
The budget includes $100 million to help clean "forever chemicals" from drinking water; reinstates the Conservation Tax Credit; adds additional funding for parkland and land and water conservation; and provides other support to address flooding and wildfires.
It also includes funding for infrastructure and advancement of EV charging, support for EV workforce development at community colleges, grants for local bike and pedestrian projects, and $1 million for a feasibility study of connective greenways and equitable access to alternative transportation options.
"Governor Cooper's proposals showcase the leadership and funding needed to escalate land conservation, build our clean energy workforce and industries, and support the development of carbon-free transportation," said Erin Carey, acting director of the Sierra Club's North Carolina Chapter.
"This is a farsighted and thorough approach to protecting our environment and combating climate change as we grow the economy and do the daily work of government, which has been a hallmark of Governor Cooper's administration. We're hopeful that the General Assembly will see the tangible value it offers to our state's people, its economy, and the environment we all share by adopting as many of the proposals as possible during the short session."