NC air quality has improved dramatically since the 1990s, DEQ report shows
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolinians are breathing the cleanest air in decades, according to a new report from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
DEQ’s Division of Air Quality released its latest update to the Air Quality Trends in North Carolina report, showing a long-term decline in harmful air pollutants such as ozone and fine particulate matter. State officials say emissions reductions are the result of coordinated efforts by state leaders, regulatory agencies, utilities, industry and the public over the past 50 years.
The report shows statewide emissions of carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide reached all-time lows in 2022, the most recent year with available data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“Even as our population and economy continue to grow, North Carolina’s air quality keeps getting better and better,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “By controlling air pollution, we are giving every North Carolinian a cleaner, healthier future.”
Mike Abraczinskas, director of the Division of Air Quality, credited continued collaboration and environmental policy improvements for the progress.
“Our air quality continues to improve thanks to tireless efforts by our dedicated staff, partners and a wide variety of stakeholders who have come together to implement sound environmental policies,” Abraczinskas said.
According to the report, emissions of air pollutants regulated under the federal Clean Air Act declined sharply between 1990 and 2022. During that time, emissions fell 95% for sulfur dioxide, 74% for carbon monoxide, 71% for nitrogen oxides, 48% for fine particulate matter, and 67% for volatile organic compounds.
As emissions have declined, measured concentrations of these pollutants have remained below federal health-based standards statewide for more than a decade. Average sulfur dioxide levels are now 95% below the federal standard, while annual nitrogen dioxide concentrations are 89% below the standard.
DEQ says North Carolina’s shift away from coal-fired power generation has been a major factor in the improvements. More electricity now comes from cleaner sources such as solar, wind and nuclear energy, along with energy efficiency improvements in homes and buildings.
Vehicle emissions have also dropped significantly. From 1990 through 2022, emissions from cars and trucks declined 81% for carbon monoxide, 72% for nitrogen oxides and 85% for volatile organic compounds due to improved engine standards, cleaner fuels and advanced emissions controls. Officials expect further reductions as electric vehicle adoption increases.
High concentrations of air pollutants are linked to asthma, heart and lung disease, haze, acid rain and climate change. DEQ reports that North Carolina has seen reductions across all major classes of harmful pollutants.
The report also highlights several additional findings, including a sharp drop in high-ozone days statewide. From 2015 through 2024, North Carolina recorded just two days classified as “Code Red” or higher for ozone, compared to 83 such days from 2005 through 2014.
Visibility has also improved in national and state parks. At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, average clear-day visibility increased from 54 miles in 1996 to 119 miles in 2023.
Net greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion declined 38% between 2005 and 2020, even as North Carolina’s population and real gross state product grew by 20% and 23%, respectively. Emissions of hazardous and toxic air pollutants also fell more than 82% from 1993 to 2022.
DEQ’s Division of Air Quality regularly updates the Air Quality Trends in North Carolina report. The latest version includes updated emissions data and information from the North Carolina Greenhouse Gas Inventory, updated in January 2024.
