TAKE ACTION: SB 261 Threatens NC’s Clean Energy Future

In March, the North Carolina Senate introduced and rapidly advanced Senate Bill 261 (the “Energy Security and Affordability Act”), a dangerous piece of legislation that undermines our state’s commitment to clean energy and affordable power. 

SB 261 seeks to dismantle the core of North Carolina’s Carbon Plan by: 

• Repealing crucial carbon reduction targets: The bill would eliminate the legally mandated 70% carbon emission reduction goal, effectively gutting our state’s commitment to combating climate change.
• Allowing unchecked rate hikes: The bill would grant Duke Energy the power to raise energy rates outside the traditional regulatory process, forcing ratepayers to foot the bill for new power plant construction before these facilities even generate electricity. 

This legislation represents a significant step backward in our efforts to build a sustainable and affordable energy future. It prioritizes the interests of a single utility over the well-being of North Carolina’s residents and environment.

The speed with which SB 261 is moving through the Senate is alarming. This lack of transparency and public input is unacceptable.

URGENT ACTION NEEDED!

As of March 14, SB 261 awaits consideration by the North Carolina House of Representatives. We urge all North Carolinians to:

1. Contact your state representatives immediately and voice opposition to SB 261.
2. Stay informed about the bill’s progress and its potential impact on our state (we have provided a list of further resources below).
3. Spread awareness about this bill to your friends, family, and neighbors.

We cannot allow this bill to jeopardize our clean energy future and burden ratepayers with unnecessary costs. North Carolina deserves a transparent and equitable energy policy that protects our environment and serves the interests of all its citizens.

Resources for Further Information:

• Full text of Senate Bill 261
• Track the Bill here 
• CleanAIRE NC Carbon Plan resources 
• WSOC: NC Senators introduce bill to partially repeal Duke Energy’s emissions requirements
• WRAL: NC lawmakers gave Duke Energy new climate goals 4 years ago. Now they want to undo them
• WUNC: NC lawmakers could drop 2030 carbon reduction mandate for Duke Energy
• Business NC: N.C. Senate pulling back CO2 emission targets
• Charlotte Observer: NC Senate fast-tracks plan to eliminate 2030 target for power companies to cut emissions
• WRAL: NC lawmakers advance bill to remove carbon target, expand utility charges on future plants
• NC Newsline: NC Senate Republicans unveil and swiftly advance bill to repeal a Duke Energy emissions deadline
• Inside Climate News: A New Bill Would Allow Duke Energy to Retreat From North Carolina’s Ambitious Climate Goals
• NC Newsline: Duke Energy’s continued reliance on gas keeps NC ratepayers on a rate hike roller coaster
• WSOC: Bill altering NC climate goals in the name of lowering energy costs passes senate vote
• Business NC: Carbon-reduction repeal may mean lower rates, slower solar development, Public Staff says
• WRAL: NC Senate passes bill to undo Duke Energy climate goal, change rules for raising rates
• NC Newsline: A bill erasing an intermediate clean energy goal in NC speeds through the state Senate
• WFAE: NC Senate to vote on bill that would remove a key state carbon pollution target
• Winston-Salem Journal: NC Senate passes bill to remove 2030 carbon reduction deadline for Duke Energy
• Axios: Bill would eliminate Duke Energy’s 2030 carbon reduction goals