Celeste Gracia
Environment ReporterCeleste Gracia has been at ¼ª²ÊÍøÍøÕ¾ since September 2019. She moved over as environment reporter after starting off as morning producer. She's interested in covering several topics within her beat, including climate change and environmental justice.
Celeste graduated from the University of North Texas. She previously interned at CBS News Radio in New York and Morning Edition in Washington D.C.
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UNC Chapel Hill researchers have discovered eight types of previously unknown PFAS in the Cape Fear River using a new detection method. -
The Environmental Protection Agency says it reversed its decision because Chemours provided inaccurate information to the Netherlands' government about the volume of materials being shipped. This development comes a week after letters from the United Nations accusing Chemours of violating human rights were made public. -
Indigenous activists are leading a movement to pass a state Rights of Nature law. They say the legislation would give the Haw River more environmental protection. -
Researchers found chiggers carrying a bacterium that causes a disease called scrub typhus. The disease has not previously been reported in the U.S. No cases have been detected in North Carolina yet. -
A new study concludes that white, affluent households were 10 times more likely of testing their private wells compared to low-income, BIPOC households. White, affluent households are also four times more likely to treat their water. -
Some environmental advocates say old growth trees in western North Carolina are not protected enough under a new federal land management plan. -
In her State of the City address, Durham Mayor Elaine O'Neal discussed several issues the city is facing, including access to transportation and economic opportunity. -
The city of Raleigh is launching a new program to help some homeowners repair and update their homes. The program is meant to help preserve affordable housing. -
The Neighborhood Energy Resiliency Project is helping about two dozen homeowners in Carrboro upgrade their homes for free to reduce energy usage and cost. -
The North Carolina Coastal Federation finished its restoration of the North River Wetlands Preserve this winter. Wetland habitats play several crucial roles, including protecting water quality, preventing floods, and serving as critical territory for unique plants and animals.
