We envision a North Carolina that is fossil-free and powered by renewable energy like solar and wind. A state where everyone, no matter who they are or where they live, has a right to clean and affordable energy. CleanAIRE NC is working with our partners to ensure state leaders develop a strong and equitable NC Carbon Plan that rapidly reduces climate-changing emissions and puts North Carolina on a path to a clean energy future for all.
This past summer hundreds of people gathered across North Carolina for public hearings to protest Duke Energy’s proposed Carbon Plan; a plan that includes more expensive, climate-changing fossil fuels and higher energy rates for North Carolina residents.
Read “12 Principles for a NC Carbon Plan in the Public Interest” >>
In August 2022 the Biden Administration signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law creating the largest investment to combat the climate crisis in U.S. history. This bill includes programs to make closing coal power plants more affordable, funding to encourage additional renewable energy generation, tax credits for consumers who invest in energy efficient appliances and home efficiency upgrades, new funding for low-income and environmentally sensitive communities, and more.
Download the Inflation Reduction Act Guidebook >>
In total, the IRA contained $391 Billion dollars to encourage the transition to a clean energy economy over the next ten years. EPA received $41.5 billion in appropriations to develop and support 24 new and existing programs that monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, protect health and advance environmental justice. Yet, during the Carbon Plan hearings this past summer, Duke Energy said these new resources would not likely impact their planning or carbon reduction timelines.
CleanAIRE NC and numerous other partners have encouraged Duke Energy to take advantage of these Federal funds and reassess their options to more quickly reduce carbon emissions. Read our comments to the NC Utilities Commission >>
Now, it is up to all of us to ensure these historic levels of funding are delivered to communities that need it most in North Carolina, particularly those who have been most burdened by environmental, social, and economic injustice.
Duke Energy’s proposed NC Carbon Plan relies heavily on fossil fuels and falls short of our state’s carbon reduction goals. This webinar explains why Duke’s plan is unacceptable and reveals strategies that will move North Carolina closer to a clean energy economy.
CleanAIRE NC’s Talking Points on the NC Carbon Plan.
CleanAIRE NC’s Review of Duke Energy’s 2020 Climate Report and associated Duke Energy climate strategies.
CleanAIRE NC’s comments submitted to the NC Utilities Commission on December 8, 2022
CleanAIRE NC’s petition to the NC Utilities Commission signed by 343 North Carolinians
CleanAIRE NC’s video blog: NC Carbon Plan Update