Hello,

How will the NC State Senate vote on its version of House Bill 571? This measure, intended to delay compliance with the Clean Power Plan until impending legal issues are resolved, is risky business for our state.

If passed, HB 571 could potentially place the plan-making process into the hands of the federal government, robbing North Carolina of its opportunity to create its own, uniquely crafted, stakeholder influenced plan for a cleaner, stronger state.

The backstory

Yesterday, President Obama presented the Clean Power Plan to the American public. The main goal is to reduce U.S. carbon emissions 32% by 2030. States have until fall 2016 to release their individualized plans with the possibility of obtaining a two-year extension.

The U.S. EPA provides state-specific roadmaps to achieve the larger, nationwide goal. The final plan makes some targets more easily achievable for North Carolina. For one, the targeted 40% total emission reduction was reduced to 36%. In addition, the plan allows North Carolina to count solar energy as renewable energy. If our state fails to design its own plan by 2016 or request an extension, we will be required to comply with a federal plan.

In its original form, HB 571’s intent was on target: it aimed to establish a state-wide plan to reduce carbon emissions. Passing the North Carolina House with bipartisan support, it demonstrated forward-thinking, sound legislation working to empower the state. The State Senate’s version of the bill tells a different story, as it aims to put off working toward a plan until any impending legal issues are resolved or July 1, 2016, whichever is later.

Environmental issues are increasingly divisive these days; the Clean Power Plan is no exception. Lawsuits seem eminent as opponents to the plan cite government overreach as one of their many concerns.The State Senate is exploiting this tension by attempting to halt bipartisan progress made by the State House.

The co-opted HB 571 is delaying the inevitable: eventually a state-specific clean power plan will be drafted either by the state or the federal government. Why don’t we as a state be the drafters? Why not a better North Carolina now? This was the original intent of the bill.

North Carolina is already poised to harness its clean energy industry in a way that allows for a transition away from coal and other fossil fuels toward sources that promote healthier communities, economy, and environment.

Most importantly, North Carolina needs to craft its own plan, by its own citizens, for the good of the state and its future.

Peter Magner, Stanback Intern
NC League of Conservation Voters

The HotList is a weekly email the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters (NCLCV) sends out during session where we talk about relevant legislation and share information on key environmental issues as they come before the General Assembly. While primarily intended for elected representatives, the HotList is also made public to any and all who are concerned about the environment.

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