Legislative Watch: NCSU Energy Center Survives
Last week in our quickie legislative roundup, we noted that funding for the NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) at NC State University (NCSU) was not included in the main budget bill. This week, we have a (somewhat) good news update.
NCCETC could receive some funding from the state for the upcoming budget year after all, thanks to a provision included in House Bill 528, the Budget Technical Corrections bill. Unfortunately, its funding will be pared back, as will that of two other state university energy centers. Under HB 528’s Section 4.4(b), the three energy centers at NCSU, NC A&T, and Appalachian will have $400,000 to split three ways. (As of July 7, HB 528 is on the Governor’s desk for consideration.)
That at least would provide NCCETC with seed money to use as matching funds for the substantial amount of federal grants it also receives. Still, informed sources estimate that the center will have to get by on about $140,000 less than it had this past budget year.
It’s just another bad move by the powers that be in the current General Assembly leadership (especially on the Senate side). It’s past time for a change!
