Nothing is more vital than the water we drink and the air we breathe. Protecting these resources is a fundamental responsibility of our state government. North Carolina must safeguard public health, uphold environmental justice, and preserve natural resources for future generations. Rockingham County knows the cost of inaction from the Dan River coal ash spill.

We must strengthen enforcement of environmental laws so no community is put at risk again. Companies that pollute our land, water, or air should face real consequences. A state level carbon credit system would give businesses financial incentives to cut emissions and modernize operations.

New industries bring new risks. Data centers in rural counties consume massive amounts of water for cooling and often rely on diesel generators until connected to the grid, releasing harmful exhaust. Some use chemicals to slow evaporation and transport wastewater to treatment plants. Communities deserve clear information about these practices and their potential impact on drinking water.

My mission is to demand transparency, oversight, and accountability from all corporations. Clean water and air are our right, and economic development should never threaten the health and safety of our communities.