Statement on Gov. Cooper’s Order that Duke Energy Excavate All Remaining Coal Ash
from Dan Crawford, Director of Governmental Relations

We are thrilled that Gov. Cooper has sided with North Carolinians who for years have spoken loud and clear that Duke Energy must clean up its coal ash mess. With decisions like today’s, the governor continues to prove why he earned an ‘A’ in our latest scorecard for his environmental leadership over the last two years. He has used his authority to strengthen public health protections which benefit all North Carolinians, particularly those most victimized by corporate polluters.

Moving toxic coal ash away from drinking water sources used by hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians is a common-sense move. That’s why Duke was already required to fully excavate eight of its other coal ash dumps, and there was no reason to not do the same for these nine. It’s what the people wanted, and it’s what science and justice demanded.