Every day, we depend on infrastructure to get through our day: drinking water, roads, airports, schools, bridges, electricity, and the list goes on. Yet, we tend to only think about it when something goes drastically wrong. Our environment supports our lifestyles in a similar way – providing energy, water, clean air, and green spaces.

As North Carolina grows from 8.5 million residents in 2004 to an estimated 12 million residents by 2030, it will place tremendous strain on the state’s built infrastructure and natural resources. Even without population growth the state is vulnerable to our fossil fuel habits: air pollution has already reduced visibility in the mountains and imposed frequent ozone-alert days in our cities. North Carolina’s energy habits are not enviable – our electricity consumption is among the highest in the nation. Moreover, North Carolina, and the greater Southeast region, is one of the most energy inefficient areas of the country.

The state must be intentional about how it utilizes its resources and ensures that the very environment that draws people to live and visit is not spoiled in the process. We must grow – and live – in a way that is sustainable.

• From 1990 to 2007, North Carolina’s highways saw a 65% increase of vehicle miles traveled.
• Visitors spend an estimated $14 billion per year in North Carolina, often coming specifically to enjoy our natural amenities.
• Our population growth will require 2.4 million new residential housing units by 2030.