Gov. Roy Cooper signs executive order to protect NC wetlands

Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order Monday setting statewide conservation goals to preserve one million acres of forests and wetlands, restore an additional million acres, and plant one million urban trees by 2040.

Cooper’s announcement comes after actions from the U.S. Supreme Court and North Carolina legislature last year that significantly limited wetland protections.

Wetland ecosystems act like natural sponges that can help to absorb storm water and prevent flooding.

Cooper said the new conservation efforts could help clean drinking water, protect wildlife and native plants, as well as boost the hunting, fishing, and tourism economies in rural areas.

“Now this order takes on even more importance to make sure that we are protecting our wetlands so that we can protect ourselves from flooding and help us fight climate change and improve our economy," Cooper said.

According to the 2024 North Carolina Greenhouse Gas Inventory, the State’s natural and working lands like forests, wetlands, and healthy farms absorb 34% of all of North Carolina’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“Preserving more natural and working lands will enhance quality of life, increase recreation opportunities, and protect air and water quality,” said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson.

The executive order also establishes a native plant policy for state-owned projects, directs state agencies to avoid projects that would adversely affect native ecosystems, study the value of protecting wetlands, and seek federal funding for conservation.

A number of environmental groups voiced support for the order.

“Now more than ever, North Carolina needs to conserve our working lands – including wetlands and forests that reduce flooding, clean our drinking water, and sustain fish and wildlife." said Grady O'Brien, a policy associate with NC Conservation Network.

David Kelly, NC State Director for the Environmental Defense Fund, said the Supreme Court's decision to limit the federal protection of wetlands put millions of acres at risk.

"This action leaves many wetlands now entirely dependent upon state protections, underscoring the importance of the Governor’s actions today," Kelly said.

“We’re glad that Gov. Cooper is taking action to blunt the harm caused by the reckless North Carolina General Assembly in taking away wetlands protections,” said Julie Youngman, a senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center.