Leaders Discuss How To Grow Clean Energy Economy in NC
Governor Josh Stein met April 16 with business leaders from around North Carolina to discuss how business and government can work together to advance North Carolina’s clean energy economy.
“Committed to Clean Energy: the 2026 North Carolina Sustainable Business Roundtable” was hosted by Trane Technologies at its North American headquarters facility in Davidson, NC.
More Reliable, Affordable, Sustainable Future
“North Carolina is leading the way in building a clean energy economy that creates [high paying] jobs and keeps costs down for families,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Through advanced manufacturing leaders like Trane Technologies and new investments across our state, we are growing our economy while creating a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future for North Carolinians. I learned from numerous attendees that clean energy availability is an important factor in making North Carolina an attractive state for business. It also strengthens our national security.”
During the conference, Governor Stein hosted a roundtable discussion with American Airlines, Albemarle Corporation, Charlotte Hornets / Hornets Sports & Entertainment, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, Duke Energy, Michelin, Nucor Corp., SAS Institute, Scout Motors, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Trane Technologies, and others with carbon net zero or other sustainability targets. The conversation highlighted North Carolina’s growing clean energy economy and discussed how sustainability and clean energy availability informed the investments and operations of these businesses in North Carolina.
Business Voices
“Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has long prioritized investments in clean energy and operational efficiency because it makes good business sense and reflects our 45-year commitment to sustainability,” said Mandi McKay, Chief Sustainability and Social Impact Officer at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. “Smart, forward-looking policies can help modernize North Carolina’s grid and expand access to cleaner, more resilient energy for businesses of all sizes. We’re proud to join other companies in working toward a more sustainable future for North Carolinians and partnering with state leaders to help move that progress forward.”
“Scout Motors is proud to call North Carolina home for our corporate headquarters. The state’s leadership in the clean energy economy—paired with a strong, business-friendly environment—has created the certainty and momentum we need to scale quickly and sustainably, while connecting us to a region that’s fast becoming a national hub for mobility and manufacturing,” said Ryan Rose, Chief Impact Officer at Scout Motors. “Companies like ours are increasingly choosing to invest in states that prioritize clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy both to meet our business needs and for our employees who depend on resilient, affordable energy where they live and work. North Carolina is well-positioned to attract that investment by continuing to modernize its energy system and maintain a stable, predictable policy framework.”
Opportunity to Lead
“North Carolina’s technology sector is a powerful engine of the state’s economy—and it depends on stable, predictable energy to keep operations running and costs manageable,” said Jerry Williams, Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer at SAS. “As electricity demand continues to grow, the state must prepare its grid with modern technologies and durable policies that ensure reliability and encourage innovation. We appreciate the Stein administration’s focus on strengthening the state’s economic leadership and ensuring the grid is well-positioned to support continued growth and competitiveness.”
Commenting on the conference, Anne Kelly, vice president of governmental relations at sustainable advocacy nonprofit Ceres, said, “North Carolina has a clear opportunity to lead on energy affordability and economic growth by expanding access to clean, reliable energy. Companies are eager to invest and grow in states that prioritize clean energy and a modern, resilient energy grid. Smart, durable policies will be critical to keeping North Carolina competitive in the years ahead.”
