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North Carolina Sees Record Low Air Pollution Levels

12/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) released its Air Quality Trends report showing declines.
In 2022, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide emissions reached record lows.
NCDEQ Secretary Reid Wilson noted air quality improved despite population and economic growth.
Since 1990, sulfur dioxide has fallen 95%, carbon monoxide has fallen 74%, and nitrogen oxides have fallen 71%.
The state expects further reductions from electric vehicle adoption.

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Story summary

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) released its Air Quality Trends report showing declines.
In 2022, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide emissions reached record lows.
NCDEQ Secretary Reid Wilson noted air quality improved despite population and economic growth.
Since 1990, sulfur dioxide has fallen 95%, carbon monoxide has fallen 74%, and nitrogen oxides have fallen 71%.
The state expects further reductions from electric vehicle adoption.