The North Carolina Department of Justice (DOJ) provides legal and law enforcement services to state agencies, local governments and the citizens of North Carolina.

Since early 1999, DOJ has been a cooperative agency with other state agencies in developing and implementing environmental sustainability projects.

In March 1999, Attorney General Mike Easley wrote each DOJ employee concerning the importance of incorporating environmental sustainability principles into their work ethic and daily activities.  The DOJ Environmental Division was directed to lead the agency's efforts.  A strong commitment was made to work closely with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance.  This was a natural partnership, since DOJ provides the legal representation for DENR and its divisions. 

Project Updates

Appellate Court Electronic Filing.   The Appellate Section of DOJ has been participating in the Supreme Court's e-filing project since January 1999.  Most of the section's briefs to that Court have been filed by both e-filing an Adobe (.pdf) file and by filing a hard copy.  Recently, however, a brief was filed solely by e-file at the request of the Court.  We hope to expand participation in the project to other Sections.  The next test Sections will likely be Capital Litigation and Special Litigation.  The long-term goal of our participation in the project is to reduce printing or copying time and costs.

Waste Audit at Justice Academy. The NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance (DPPEA) has conducted two site visits of the Salemburg Campus of the Justice Academy in Sampson County.  The initial visit in the fall of 1999 focused upon water management, organic materials management, and other solid waste recycling opportunities.  The second visit in the Spring 2000 focused more on energy controls and system management.  It is anticipated that the audit report will be available within the next few months.

DPPEA, in conjunction with the Waste Reduction Partners Program, Land-of-Sky Regional Council in Asheville, NC, conducted a similar audit of the Justice Academy’s Edneyville campus in Henderson County.  This audit has resulted in a draft report covering many of the same topical areas noted above.  West campus staff is currently reviewing this draft report. A final report is expected within the next few months.

Earth Day Celebration. The Environmental Division hosted an Open House in April to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Earth Day.  Information regarding environmental issues and conservation tips was distributed, along with a complimentary poster of the North Carolina River Basins, which was designed by its client agency, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.  Bedding plants were also given to visitors to encourage environmental awareness.  The Environmental Division plans to make this an annual event, with an emphasis on educating colleagues as to environmental issues.  It will offer opportunities for DOJ to increase its environmental awareness, as well as the commitment, to be good stewards of North Carolina's natural resources.

Plans for Future Projects

The Department of Justice is committed to continuing its efforts as an environmental sustainability partner.  Over the next several months, the Department hopes to focus on the following activities: 

• Expand use of electronic filings of documents.
• Begin implementation of waste audit recommendations at the Justice Academies.
• Evaluate the current recycling program, and identify more items that can be recycled and more recycled items available for purchase.
• Post "ozone days" codes for employee information.
• Expand Earth Day celebration hosted by the DOJ Environmental Division.
• Assist Department of Environment and Natural Resources with expanded efforts at obtaining conservation easements and with other land preservation programs.

Contact:  Dan C. Oakley
(919) 716-6600