A Duke Energy coal fired power plant near Roxboro, NC (Photo: Courtesy of the Southern Environmental Law Center)
The challenge posed by carbon emissions that drive climate change is one of the most important issues facing humanity.
If ever a matter required everyone’s best efforts and collaboration — elected officials, regulators, providers, consumers — this is it.
Unfortunately, neither North Carolina’s main electricity provider, Duke Energy, nor the politicians over whom it holds sway agree.
Instead, they want to call all of the shots, and this fact was on display at the state legislature last week when Republican senators raced through a bill that repeals a painstakingly negotiated law which requires Duke to cut carbon emissions by 2030.
As usual, the excuse for the bill was cost. Proponents say the bill will save ratepayers money. Consumer and environmental advocates disagree, but even if it were true, bill supporters completely ignore the mountainous costs of climate change – expenses that will soon make higher electric bills look paltry.
The bottom line: Rushing through a one-sided industry-drafted bill on such a momentous issue is inexcusable. North Carolinians should demand better.
For NC Newsline, I’m Rob Schofield.