A Walk Through Eno River
On a bright April morning, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein stepped onto the trails of Eno River State Park in Durham to mark Earth Day 2025. Joined by state officials and park rangers, Stein explored the park’s winding paths, learning firsthand about its role in drawing visitors and boosting the local economy. The event, held on April 22, underscored the state’s commitment to preserving its natural landscapes, a priority that resonates with residents and tourists alike.
Eno River State Park, one of North Carolina’s 41 state parks, welcomed over a million visitors last year, contributing to the $218 billion economic impact of parks nationwide. These spaces offer more than recreation; they protect biodiversity, manage stormwater, and preserve cultural heritage. Yet, as Stein’s visit highlighted, maintaining them requires collective effort amid rising visitation and funding challenges.
The governor’s remarks centered on the broader value of North Carolina’s natural assets, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to its coastal barrier islands. He emphasized the need to safeguard these areas for future generations, a message echoed by state officials who joined him. Their focus on Earth Day reflected a growing recognition of environmental stewardship as both a public good and an economic driver.
Balancing Conservation and Economic Growth
North Carolina’s state parks are a cornerstone of its tourism industry, attracting millions annually and supporting local businesses. In 2023, state and national parks across the U.S. generated 1.3 million jobs, with North Carolina’s parks playing a significant role. However, record visitation has strained resources, with deferred maintenance costs for U.S. parks exceeding $23 billion. Staffing shortages, worsened by federal budget constraints, have left some parks struggling to meet demand.
Stein’s administration is pushing to address these challenges while advancing environmental goals. As attorney general, he secured a $1.1 billion settlement for coal ash cleanup, reducing pollution in the Cape Fear River and lowering energy costs for residents. Now, as governor, he’s prioritizing clean water and air, alongside investments in clean energy. North Carolina ranks among the top states for clean energy jobs, with over 406,000 created nationwide since 2022, driven by federal incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act.
Yet, not all stakeholders agree on the path forward. Some business leaders argue that rapid regulatory shifts could burden industries, particularly in manufacturing-heavy regions. Meanwhile, environmental advocates press for stronger protections against emerging threats like PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' which have contaminated water sources nationwide. North Carolina’s efforts to balance these interests include new legislation, like the NC Managing Environmental Waste Act of 2025, which promotes recycling and composting in state agencies and schools.
Community Engagement and Policy Challenges
Earth Day in North Carolina wasn’t limited to official visits. Across the state, communities hosted sustainability fairs, volunteer cleanups, and educational events. At NC State University, students showcased innovations in waste reduction, while Raleigh’s events drew families to learn about local conservation. These efforts reflect a broad commitment to environmental health, a priority for the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees programs like well water safety and lead poisoning prevention.
Despite public enthusiasm, policy hurdles loom. Federal staffing cuts threaten key environmental health initiatives, potentially halting progress on issues like heat illness tracking, which logged thousands of cases in 2024. Water quality remains a focal point, with the EPA’s recent PFAS regulations providing guidance but stopping short of enforceable standards. North Carolina’s proactive measures, including stricter permitting and coal ash removal mandates, position it as a leader, though cleanup costs and timelines spark debate among policymakers and affected communities.
The state’s climate adaptation strategies also face scrutiny. With 25 states introducing resilience legislation in 2025, North Carolina is updating its Comprehensive Climate Action Plan to address wildfires, floods, and extreme heat. Federal funding from the STORM Act supports these efforts, but local governments often bear the brunt of implementation, raising questions about equitable resource distribution.
Looking Ahead
North Carolina’s Earth Day celebrations highlighted both progress and challenges in its environmental agenda. From the economic vitality of state parks to the push for clean energy and water, the state is navigating a complex landscape of public demand, policy innovation, and resource constraints. Stein’s leadership, rooted in past legal victories and a forward-looking vision, aims to keep North Carolina at the forefront of these efforts.
As residents and visitors continue to flock to places like Eno River, the state’s ability to balance conservation with growth will shape its environmental legacy. Community involvement, paired with targeted policies, offers a path forward, but success hinges on addressing funding gaps and fostering collaboration across sectors. For now, Earth Day serves as a reminder of what’s at stake and the work still to come.