Edward Smith, edward.smith@sierraclub.org
Raleigh, NC: In a surprise move late last Friday, months ahead of schedule, the North Carolina Utility Commission (NCUC) approved Duke’s energy plan that abandons the state’s requirement to reduce carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030.
This decision means that not only will Duke fail to comply with a state law passed just three years ago, but the utility is following a plan that is not compliant with the Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas rule. According to the federal rule, Duke’s Belews Creek and Roxboro coal plants would have to retire by the end of 2031 or retrofitted to co-fire with gas by the end of 2029, however the NCUC approved plan ignores this requirement.
Statement from David Rogers, Deputy Director of Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign in North Carolina:
“At a moment in time when North Carolinians are still dealing with the climate change fueled impacts from Hurricane Helene, we’re disappointed that state regulators approved Duke’s energy plan that would massively increase gas-burning power plant investments and will expose every single customer to volatile gas prices and more pollution. Duke’s plan isn’t even compliant with the latest EPA regulations related to greenhouse gas pollution. We will continue to advocate for a faster transition towards the cleaner, more affordable future we all deserve.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.