N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-187.84

If an entity fails to file any report or return or to pay any tax or fee required by this Article for 90 days after it is due, the Secretary shall inform the Secretary of Environmental Quality of this failure. The Secretary of Environmental Quality shall suspend permits for oil and gas exploration using horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing under G.S. 113-395 of any entity that fails to file a return under this Article. The Secretary of Environmental Quality shall immediately notify by mail an entity of a suspension under this section.