Governor Hunt Directs State Government Managers 
to Reduce Waste and Protect Environment

RALEIGH –  Governor Jim Hunt today called upon state agency leaders and managers to implement more environmentally sustainable practices—enabling economic growth for the state while preserving a healthy environment.

Hunt’s challenge, issued at the Environmental Sustainability Officers’ Forum held at North Carolina State University, is part of his administration’s commitment to protecting North Carolina’s environment by reducing the use of natural resources, eliminating waste and limiting environmental impact.

“We must try to create a new way to live and work in which we use our limited resources wisely and preserve them for generations to come,” Hunt said. “And state agencies must lead the way.”

State government managers and leaders today identified and discussed sustainability initiatives already underway and what they can do to further efforts. Reports detailing each agency’s plans and strategies will be presented to the governor on Earth Day, April 22.

Today’s gathering was the second step initiated by the Governor to incorporate environmentally-sound strategies into state government operations. The first step of the environmental sustainability initiative was a September summit at which Governor Hunt convened his Cabinet, the University of North Carolina System and public agency leaders to discuss ideas for North Carolina to move toward sustainability.

Under Hunt’s leadership, state government agencies have already begun implementing more environmentally-friendly practices including:

Brown Creek Correctional Institution, located in Polkton, has reduced its amount of organic waste requiring disposal by 47 percent, resulting in a cost savings of $12,000 annually.

The NC Department of Transportation (DOT) has established a Recycled Products and Solid Waste Utilization Task Force to review recycled products and materials for use in highway construction and maintenance operations. DOT has used more than 4 million scrap tires, 40,000 tons of coal fly ash, 450,000 tons of recycled asphalt and 475,000 tons of recycled concrete in a variety of construction and landscaping projects.

North Carolina’s Motor Fleet Division has purchased and put into use 380 alternative fuel vehicles, which produce lower emissions.

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