NC Department of Environmental Quality

Two years after Hurricane Helene devastated communities in western North Carolina, the state is still navigating the long process of recovery, while also preparing for the next disaster. We speak with N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson to discuss North Carolina’s environmental priorities and how it is preparing for the challenges ahead.

State environmental regulators have given Colonial Pipeline the go-ahead to treat contaminated groundwater and release it into a creek near the site of a massive gasoline spill in Huntersville three years ago.

The rules would apply to any truck over 6,001 pounds — basically, pickups up to tractor-trailers. Sales targets would vary by size, between seven classes, with the goal of eventually 40%-75% of trucks sold in the state being zero-emission vehicles.

Public meetings are planned around the state in the coming weeks to help state environmental officials draft rules to promote a shift to electric trucks.

The state's growing wood pellet industry came under fire at a meeting in Raleigh last night from scientists, activists and residents who live near wood pellet plants.

State mining officials have given Piedmont Lithium another six months to complete studies required for approval of a permit for the company's proposed lithium mine in northern Gaston County.

Colonial Pipeline has agreed to pay the state of North Carolina nearly $5 million in penalties and to provide additional data and cleanup plans for a massive gasoline spill in Huntersville two years ago.

State environmental regulators have approved an air quality permit for a wood pellet plant in Sampson County. The permit was granted despite concerns by environmental and social justice groups.

Colonial Pipeline says it's still recovering gasoline daily from a massive spill nearly 18 months ago in Huntersville, and still has no estimate of how much might be left.

Colonial Pipeline has reached a settlement with federal pipeline regulators over how it will respond to a massive gasoline spill last August in Huntersville and prevent future leaks all along the pipeline.