RALEIGH – In 2018, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 80 that reaffirmed and outlined the state’s commitment to reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously supporting the expansion of clean energy businesses.
An E2 report released this week found that North Carolina ranks first in the nation for clean energy jobs in rural counties, finding more than 25,500 clean energy jobs–25.6 percent of all cleantech jobs in North Carolina. The state ranked ninth out of all 50 states in total employment in the industry.
But North Carolina’s clean energy future isn’t just tied to employment in the sector or governmental targets. Privately-held and publicly-traded companies will play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions and advancing new and emerging technologies that combat climate change.
Paul Barker
A day after announcing most COVID-19 restrictions could be lifted June 1st if two-thirds of state residents are partially vaccinated by that date, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper urged residents to get their shot during a visit to a vaccine clinic in Asheville.
The Governor toured a vaccine clinic Thursday afternoon at A-B Tech. On Wednesday, the same day he announced the June 1st goal, an 11-percent drop in vaccinations was reported nationally, in part because of the pause in use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Speaking to reporters after the tour, Cooper noted North Carolina has seen a similar drop. But he believes it can be reversed if more vaccine-hesitant residents understood how quickly shots can be received now.
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Gov. Cooper announces plans to lift capacity limits, distancing requirements in June Kristy Kepley-Steward
On Wednesday, April 21, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced plans to lift all mandatory social distancing, capacity and mass gathering restrictions by June 1.
As of Wednesday, North Carolina has had 952,529 cases, with 1,963 new cases reported since Tuesday. Currently, 1,168 people are hospitalized and 12,480 people have died. Caption: Gov. Roy Cooper , NC COVID-19 Task Force update, 04-21-21
Governor Cooper stressed the need to stay vigilant as health officials have seen slight increases in the number of cases in the past couple of weeks. “The fact that our numbers aren’t yet declining reminds us how important it is to stay vigilant,” said Gov. Cooper.