Governor Cooper Signs Executive Order on Wetlands and Natural and Working Lands

(February 12, 2024) - Today, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order vowing to preserve one million acres of land by 2040, as well as restore an additional million acres and plant one million urban trees. This initiative comes at a critical time, following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision significantly limiting federal wetland protections.  

“Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is grateful for Governor Cooper’s bold action toward natural resource conservation and restoration in North Carolina, particularly around wetlands ecosystems. Healthy wetlands offer an abundance of benefits to all North Carolinians. These ecosystems provide critical habitats for fish and wildlife and enable our state’s rich hunting and fishing traditions to thrive. They also act as a natural buffer to flooding – a challenge that so many of our communities, cities and towns face.  

“A preliminary EDF analysis, to be released in the coming months, shows that millions of acres of U.S. wetlands may be at risk in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling. This action leaves many wetlands now entirely dependent upon state protections, underscoring the importance of the Governor’s actions today. The million-acre conservation initiatives outlined in the executive order are a big step forward and demonstrate Governor Cooper’s commitment to implementing conservation solutions that protect wildlife, preserve North Carolina’s rich outdoor traditions, and safeguard cities and towns increasingly impacted by flooding.” 

 - David Kelly, North Carolina State Director, Environmental Defense Fund