Raleigh -- October 6, 2026: Attorney General Jeff Jackson is taking legal action against the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed rollbacks of pollution safeguards, citing potential threats to North Carolina's natural resources. These legal challenges are particularly relevant to Western North Carolina, a region heavily reliant on its pristine environment for tourism, outdoor recreation, and unique biodiversity.
One key action involves a coalition lawsuit filed October 1, 2026, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. This lawsuit, which includes North Carolina and 20 other states along with several major municipalities, challenges the EPA's repeal of most greenhouse-gas emissions standards for coal- and natural-gas-fired power plants. The states argue that the EPA's action violates the Clean Air Act, weakens protections for public health and air quality, and shifts significant long-term economic and public health costs to consumers. Jeffrey Robbins, executive director of CleanAIRE North Carolina, stated that Jackson's participation signals North Carolina's refusal to accept federal rollbacks that could lead to "dirtier air" and higher costs.
Western North Carolina's economy is closely tied to its mountains, forests, rivers, and scenic landscapes, which depend on clean air. Even when pollution sources are located outside the region, airborne pollutants from power plants can travel long distances, contributing to ozone (smog) that irritates lungs and reduces visibility, fine particulate matter that can penetrate the respiratory system, and acid deposition that damages soils, streams, and forests. Climate-related changes, such as increased heat and wildfire risk, also stress mountain ecosystems.
Clean air is considered an economic asset for mountain communities. Reduced visibility, haze, or smoke can diminish the scenic experience for visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains area, Pisgah National Forest, and Nantahala region. Air-quality advisories can also discourage strenuous outdoor activities, impacting tourism. While the legal challenge does not allege immediate, specific losses for WNC tourism, Jackson's position is that a cumulative weakening of pollution controls could increase long-term risks to public health, ecosystems, and industries dependent on the state's natural resources.
Beyond air quality, Jackson is involved in other EPA disputes. He is opposing proposed rollbacks of federal limits for four PFAS substances in public drinking water, including GenX, which has affected the Cape Fear River Basin. He has also joined other attorneys general in challenging an EPA rollback of vehicle-pollution standards, citing potential increases in fuel and vehicle-maintenance costs for consumers. Transportation emissions contribute to ozone and particulate pollution, which can affect Western North Carolina, particularly along major travel corridors.
Jackson's strategy involves federal litigation, formal comments opposing regulatory changes, and state litigation against companies accused of contaminating North Carolina resources. These actions collectively aim to safeguard North Carolina's public health, water, air, and natural resources, which are vital to the environmental and economic well-being of regions like Western North Carolina.