Good news: Economic development organizations and investor guides are pitching North Carolina as a leader in renewable energy development.

The investment guide site SmartAsset ranked North Carolina first among the states in its chart for 2022, saying “For the second year in a row, North Carolina is leading the charge on renewable energy. The state increased its production of renewables by nearly 52% between 2014 and 2019, which is double the average of all 50 states. The Tar Heel State also received by far the most USDA funding from 2004 to 2021: $1.5 billion.” 

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) has a new report out touting this clean energy development leadership and growth potential. The report notes announced new electric vehicles supply chain manufacturers and other renewable energy development and potential, among other items. 

The report quotes Gov. Roy Cooper as well: “This trend of clean energy jobs is very intentional. I think companies are taking notice of this, that clean energy is going to be a part of our concentration, that we want them here and that’s going to help us create our own supply chains.” 

At a time when the governors of some other states are launching rhetorical attacks on renewable energy in order to please their big donors in the fossil fuel industry, it’s good to see North Carolina’s business promoters hailing our state for moving in the right direction.