Overall, Governor Cooper earns an A for his actions during his final year in office.

Governor Roy Cooper was a stalwart champion of the environment and of democracy since he became governor in 2017. He paved the way for North Carolina’s carbon neutrality goal, and addressed environmental justice issues. Some of his greatest achievements include setting ambitious climate targets, promoting clean energy jobs, and expanding efforts to protect natural resources and communities disproportionately affected by pollution. He leaves the Governor’s seat in good hands with Governor Josh Stein, a proven and stalwart environmental champion.

Actions to Protect People and Planet

In 2024, and despite the Republican supermajority, Governor Cooper stood up against attacks on native plants, the infusion of dark money into state elections, efforts to weaken North Carolina’s already grossly outdated building codes, and threats to our democracy.

On February 12, 2024, the Governor signed Executive Order 305 to conserve 1 million new acres of natural land, restore 1 million new acres of forests and wetlands, and plant 1 million new trees in urban regions. This not only protects our unique ecosystems but helps our state mitigate the effects of climate change; wetlands reduce flooding, and trees cool our cities from record-breaking heat.

Opposed Pro-Polluter Bills

Additionally, Governor Cooper used his veto power to send a powerful message to those who don’t have North Carolinians’ best interests at heart. Cooper vetoed S.B. 166 because leaving building codes untouched hurts residents’ pocketbooks, makes construction less safe, and disqualifies our state from receiving money for climate and flooding mitigation. He also vetoed H.B. 198 which removed protections for native redbud trees, allows for more clear-cutting, and makes it more difficult for DOT to reject billboard permits. In his statement about why he vetoed H.B. 237, Governor Cooper expressed concern about “anonymous out-of-state billionaires” who can financially back extreme candidates. The veto of S.B. 382 became his final veto as Governor, but he didn’t just veto the bill. He and Attorney General (AG) Stein sued the legislature for their blatant disregard for the separation of powers in the N.C. Constitution.

Delivered Hurricane Helene Relief

In his final months as Governor, he led an extensive state and federal relief effort to support devastated communities in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. He declared a state of emergency, mobilized the National Guard and rescue teams, secured a federal disaster declaration, and later obtained a 90% federal cost-share for recovery projects. Cooper also proposed a $3.9 billion rebuilding package and raised over $14 million through the state’s Disaster Relief Fund to help families and communities recover.

The governor does not vote on bills, so his score is based solely on which bills he decides to sign into law or veto, his public statements, and executive orders.

Thank you Governor Cooper for your service to the environment and people of North Carolina.

Know the Score: See the 2024 Scorecard

To see how your legislators scored, and to learn more about the 2024 bills and votes, see the full 2024 Scorecard.