February 4, 2026
The annual Environmental Compliance Conference is targeted toward professionals who manage the environmental and safety compliance matters for their organization, with focus on regulations and how to ensure compliance. The basis of an effective Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) program remains the strength of its management system and how thoroughly it is integrated into business practices.
Join the NC Chamber, industry experts, and NCDEQ officials for a deep-dive exploration of pressing regulatory issues, legislation, and policy decisions currently impacting the air, water, waste, and natural resource arenas. This event connects attendees with policy makers to build their network of resources.
Presented By
Agenda
Wednesday, February 4
| 8:00 am | Registration and Networking |
| 8:30 am | Welcome Remarks Sean Sullivan, Partner, Williams Mullen |
| 8:40 am | Opening Keynote |
| 9:10 am | NC DEQ Secretary Remarks Secretary D. Reid Wilson will provide an update on statewide environmental priorities, regulatory developments, and key initiatives shaping North Carolina’s compliance landscape. His remarks will set the stage for the day’s conversations on policy, enforcement, and emerging challenges. Secretary D. Reid Wilson, NC Department of Environmental Quality |
| 9:30 am | NC DEQ General Counsel Discussion General Counsel Dan Hirschman will join moderator Sean Sullivan to discuss DEQ’s legal landscape, including recent rulemaking, enforcement trends, and interpretations shaping compliance expectations. The session will highlight practical implications for regulated entities navigating evolving legal requirements.
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| 10:15 am | Networking Break |
| 10:45 am | In-House Counsel Panel Discussion Senior legal leaders from North Carolina companies will discuss how they manage environmental risk, navigate regulatory uncertainty, and coordinate compliance across complex operations. The panel will highlight practical lessons, internal best practices, and evolving expectations for corporate environmental stewardship. |
| 11:30 am | The State of Air: NC DEQ Division Director Discussion Division of Air Quality Director Mike Abraczinskas will join moderator Jessie King for a focused discussion on air permitting, monitoring, enforcement, and policy trends. Attendees will gain insight into current priorities, anticipated regulatory shifts, and opportunities to strengthen compliance strategies.
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| 12:15 pm | Lunch and Networking |
| 1:15 pm | The State of Water: NC DEQ Division Director Discussion Division of Water Resources Director Richard Rogers will sit down with moderator Jaime Robinson to explore developments in surface water and groundwater regulation, permitting updates, and key program initiatives. The session will offer clarity on challenges and expectations affecting water-focused compliance programs.
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| 2:00 pm | The State of Waste Management: NC DEQ Division Director Discussion Division of Waste Management Director Michael Scott, joined by moderator Kaitlyn Rhonehouse, will review program priorities across solid waste, hazardous waste, and remediation. The discussion will cover regulatory updates, implementation trends, and areas of focus for the coming year.
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| 2:45 pm | Remarks from Environmental Management Commission Environmental Management Commission Chair J.D. Solomon will share updates on the Commission’s rulemaking activities, policy direction, and oversight responsibilities. His remarks will provide a broader view of how statewide environmental governance continues to evolve. J.D. Solomon, Chair, Environmental Management Commission |
| 3:15 pm | Closing Remarks |