NCGA Must Uphold Veto to Assure Economic, Environmental Security
The N.C. Sierra Club applauds Gov. Josh Stein for his veto today (Wednesday, July 2) of Senate Bill 266, which threatens the economic and environmental security of millions of North Carolina residential utility customers and other residents statewide.
The "Ratepayer Risks Act" threatens Duke Energy residential customers with unpredictable jumps in their bills and an unfair shift for covering the cost of purchased power. The bill also enables the monopoly utility to renege on a pledge – negotiated with a bipartisan General Assembly just four years ago – to lower its carbon emissions.
A new study from N.C. State University added evidence in favor of the veto and highlighted the fact that lawmakers rushed to pass this bill with inadequate, incorrect information about its impact on rates and natural gas generation.
The choice for lawmakers is now crystal clear: Side with average North Carolinians' health and wealth by allowing Stein's veto to stand, or with the insatiable greed of Duke Energy.
Statement from Chris Herndon, Chapter Director, N.C. Sierra Club:
"When legislative leaders turned their backs on their constituents, Governor Stein stepped up to block this bill, preventing a multibillion-dollar corporation from profiting at the literal expense of everyday North Carolinians. Senate Bill 266 was falsely labeled as a scheme to lower power bills, but the only bills that would be reduced would be those for commercial ratepayers and Duke Energy itself. Now that the bill goes back to the General Assembly, it's time for our elected representatives and senators to stand by their duty to protect the people they swore to serve and allow this veto to stand."
