The Environment

Water Safety Act of 2018

Creation of a Research Consortium: Established to study GenX and other contaminants in North Carolina's public drinking water and develop a new filtration system.
Polluter Accountability: Empowered the Governor to shut down major polluters like Chemours, requiring them to provide permanent alternative water sources for affected entities.
Funding Allocations: $2 million to assist local connections to public water supplies, and $450,000 to the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority for PFAS monitoring and treatment technology evaluation.
Comprehensive Statewide Monitoring: The North Carolina Collaboratory coordinated with multiple universities for extensive PFAS analysis, funded with $1,862,000 for research and equipment, and $5,013,000 to establish the NC PFAS Testing Network.
Regulatory Enhancements: Required electronic submission of NPDES permit applications to ensure public disclosure of pollutants.

Water Safety Act of 2021

Continued Financial Support: Appropriated $14,250,000 to advance filtration technology and PFAS research.
Scaling New Technology: $10 million allocated to test the new novel sorbent in New Hanover County, with the potential to retrofit existing GAC filters if successful.
AFFF Management: Implemented an online reporting portal with $100,000 in recurring funds for managing firefighting foam (AFFF) usage and inventory.
Expansion of Research Capacity: Established a research grant program at Historically Minority-Serving Institutions within the University of North Carolina system.
Emerging Compounds Unit: Introduced a new DEQ unit with $500,000 in recurring funds to map and address emerging compound impacts comprehensively.

Water Safety Act of 2023

Significant Funding Increase: $20 million allocated to enhance AFFF management and PFAS research, with an additional $4 million for a multiyear human exposure study.
Infrastructure and Research Investments: $35 million to the Cape Fear Public Utilities Authority for water and sewer upgrades, and a total of $1,657,000 to the emerging compounds unit for the biennium.
Advancements in Filtration Technology: The NC Pure Project, funded through the North Carolina Collaboratory, focuses on developing novel sorbents for PFAS remediation that are 99% effective in removing PFAS from water and can be integrated into existing water treatment infrastructure.
The 2023 budget funded 12 new positions within the DEQ to mitigate PFAS and other emerging compounds in our water supplies.

Championing Responsible Environmental Leadership: I was proud to support transformative legislation which directs a bold 70% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and targets carbon neutrality by 2050 for electric public utilities. This critical legislation ensures that our environmental goals are met through the most cost-effective and reliable methods available. By implementing performance-based regulations and utilizing financial strategies like bond securitization for the early retirement of coal plants, we are protecting our environment while also keeping electricity affordable for all North Carolinians.

Stormwater Mitigation Initiative: I have introduced legislation to establish a permanent state funding source dedicated to Beach Renourishment. Committed to safeguarding our coastal communities, I am actively working towards sustainable solutions that will protect our beaches and enhance the resilience of our shoreline against environmental challenges.