Southeast
North Carolina
North Carolina is ranked 4th in the nation for solar energy generation, powering 9% of the state’s electricity supply in 2022. The transportation sector accounts for most of the state’s energy use due to the heavily trafficked highways and one of the nation’s busiest passenger airports. Overall, greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 26% from 2005-2021, with the biggest reductions from the state’s electricity sector.
GHG Reduction Targets
All targets relative to 2005
levels
2025
40%
2030
50%
2050
Net-zero
Governor
Josh Stein (Democrat)
Governor
Josh Stein (Democrat)
House Party
Republican Majority
House Party
Republican Majority
Senate Party
Republican Majority
Senate Party
Republican Majority
Legislative session
1/8/25 - 7/31/25
US Climate Alliance Status
Member
Key Offices & Links
23
39
Southeast
14 states
This map shows the occurrence of climate policies passed at the state-level. Higher numbers represent more climate policies enacted.
Progress by Policy Area
- Enacted Enacted policies have been passed or established in a state by a governing body via legislation, executive orders, rules, regulations, and/or other program creation, and remain in effect.
- In-progress In progress policies have been established in a state, but final regulations, rules, or plans are pending final approval. This also includes legislation and executive orders that require regulations to be put into effect.
- Partially Enacted Partially enacted policies have been enacted in the state, but are missing one or more policy components. Dashboard policies cannot be considered partially enacted unless policy components are available.
- Not Enacted Not enacted policies have not been passed or established in the state or are no longer in effect.
The colored bars indicate the status for each policy on the Dashboard, viewed across seven policy areas.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections in North Carolina
Created in partnership with
Climate Policies in North Carolina
Filters
| Status | Policy | Policy Area | Policy Category | Year Enacted | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enacted |
Empty column
North Carolina Clean Energy Fund Establishing Policies
|
Cross-Sector
|
Climate Finance | 2020 | |
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
The 2023 budget included language that prohibits the governor and state agencies from requiring electric utilities to join a cap-and-trade program. |
Cross-Sector
|
Carbon Valuation | ||
| Enacted |
Empty column
State agencies are encouraged to incorporate the social cost of carbon into agency decision-making processes that impact greenhouse gas emissions. Establishing Policies
|
Cross-Sector
|
Carbon Valuation | 2022 |