NC Groups Push Governor to Block Duke's Fossil Fuels

The town of Carboro and environmental groups in North Carolina have dropped their lawsuit

against Duke Energy and are now calling on Governor Josh.

Stines have blocked the utilities push for more fossil fuels and nuclear power.

They want him to steer the company toward cleaner options, like solar instead.

A judge dismissed the original case back in February, ruling it was up to regulators,

not the courts.

Duke Energy recently updated its long-term plan to add a new nuclear plant by 2037,

keep some coal plants running longer, and ramp up.

Natural gas use while adding a bit more solar and battery storage.

The company is also seeking approval for rate increases of 15 to 18 percent for homes

over the next two years, starting in 20, 27, to cover grid upgrades and rising demand.

Several advocates, including NC Warn, launched ads urging residents and leaders to pressure

the governor, pointing to higher bills and storm damage.

Already hitting families, Governor Stein has pushed back against some progress laws

past last year, and started a task force to promote affordable, reliable, clean energy,

including better rates for big users, like data centers.

Watchdogs argue, Duke needs to speed up renewables to fight climate change, especially after

the federal government repealed key emissions rules.

Earlier this year, the North Carolina Utilities Commission has set public hearings on the

rate hikes, kicking off March 30 in Raleigh.

With energy costs climbing and clean options on the table, all eyes are on whether state

leaders can shift Duke's course before bills go up.

You've been listening to Durham News today, AI-powered local news.