The state Senate vote yesterday on Duke Energy’s highly controversial “alternative ratemaking” bill and subsequent appointments to a conference committee clearly show the utility company’s undue influence over the legislative and public policy process, says the Energy Justice for North Carolina (EJNC) coalition.
WITHDRAW PERMIT — Letter to the Editor of News & Observer
NC WARN stands by our allies charging that Duke Energy and Dominion cut corners so much in planning the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, the state water permit must be withdrawn.
New Evidence: Duke’s gas expansion is making global warming worse — European Geosciences Union
As methane concentrations increase in the Earth’s atmosphere, chemical fingerprints point to a probable source: shale oil and gas, according to new Cornell University research published today in Biogeosciences, a journal of the European Geosciences Union.
Duke CEO put on notice: Gas expansion carries extreme financial, climate risks — Letter from NC WARN
This letter from NC WARN to Duke Energy provides new, hopeful and vitally important background about surging energy storage, the demise of fracked gas, and impacts on the climate crisis. Eight pieces of evidence – summarized after the short letter. Note Forbes Magazine citing Duke Energy as a high-risk laggard.
The controversial bill on Duke Energy rates, explained: How does it affect customers? — News & Observer
Senate Bill 559, approved by the Senate, is awaiting approval in the state House, where it is sitting in committee. The bill, which Duke Energy heavily lobbied for, consists of two parts — the first related to storm recovery funding and the second, more controversial part related to expanding rate-setting options.
Appeals court vacates key Atlantic Coast Pipeline permit — Associated Press
A U.S. appeals court on Friday tossed out a key permit for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline that deals with the project’s effects on threatened or endangered species, saying a federal agency had apparently “lost sight of its mandate.”
Earth just had its hottest June on record, on track for warmest July — The Washington Post
Boosted by a historic heat wave in Europe and unusually warm conditions across the Arctic and Eurasia, the average temperature of the planet soared to its highest level ever recorded in June.
Duke-backed bill will raise utility rates for all — News & Observer
Duke is making a lot of noise in its attempt to divert attention from the massive cost exposure potential related to the alternative rate mechanism proposal by focusing attention on the securitization section of SB559. Parkdale’s opposition is with Duke’s proposed multi-year ratemaking and return-on-equity banding, which will result in enormous rate hikes on all North Carolinians and businesses.
Opposition to pipeline continues — Rocky Mount Telegram
Rocky Mount residents are joining a chorus of statewide voices decrying the proposed interstate natural gas pipeline through Nash County.Anna Lamb, speaking at the most recent City Council meeting, asked the council to reverse course on the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, a 42-inch natural gas pipeline planned to run about 600 miles from West Virginia to eastern North Carolina. The council announced support of the pipeline in June 2016.
Orange County Takes Bold Step to Address Climate Emergency — News Release From NC WARN
Yesterday the Orange County Board of Commissioners passed a budget that includes nearly a half-million dollars over the next year dedicated to climate action through clean energy projects. It’s an unprecedented show of leadership at an extraordinary point in time, and it really needs to be followed by many other local governments across North Carolina and beyond.