Senate Bill 559 is a bait & switch for the rejected $13 billion grid scheme and $10 billion in coal ash costs – further proof that it’s time to end the Duke monopoly.
Methane, Fracked Gas & Climate
Methane (the main component in natural gas) is 100 times as bad for the climate as carbon dioxide over the short term. Less CO2 is emitted by natural gas than by coal when burned. But significant leakage of methane before burning makes gas a disaster for the climate, even as utilities and the gas industry are feverishly promoting fracked gas.
NC WARN is working hard to connect the dots between climate change, methane leakage and the fracking boom that is driven by demand from the electric power industry.
Learn more about our methane work here.
Watch a 3-minute video by Cornell University’s Dr. Robert Howarth describing why natural gas is a disastrous strategy for the climate. More videos, PowerPoints and documentation here.
“Everything You Need to Know About Methane”, a primer by Earthjustice.
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How the Media Launders Fossil Fuel Industry Propaganda Through Branded Content — The Intercept
With a headline predicting that natural gas “will thrive in the age of renewables,” the article made the case that there are limitations on solar and wind power and that … natural gas “is part of the solution.” Why was the Washington Post weighing in on the need for continued production of this fossil fuel in the face of climate change? Or was it?
Critics challenge Duke Energy’s long-range plan. Will it make a difference this time? — Energy News Network
Every two years, critics blast Duke Energy’s long-term generation plan in North Carolina, decrying it for containing too much coal and gas and too little renewable power. Each time, regulators approve the company’s blueprint with few if any changes.
Cooper’s Appointments to Utilities Commission — News Release from EJNC
A coalition of 14 environmental justice groups today called on North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to appoint members to the North Carolina Utilities Commission that do not have ties to the fossil fuel industry and will protect public health and promote clean energy.
N.C. Needs Energy Choice, Not Monopoly Control — Goldsboro Daily News
North Carolina’s electricity system is broken, and the only way to fix it is to end Duke Energy’s state-approved monopoly control. Based in Charlotte, Duke provides 90% of our state’s electricity. For too long, its executives have abused their monopoly privilege and the people of North Carolina have paid the price.
Pressure Builds against Duke Energy’s Long-range Plan for NC — News Release from NC WARN
A ruling is expected any day on a regulatory hearing that could determine if North Carolina will finally join growing global efforts to avert runaway climate chaos or allow Duke Energy to continue driving humanity toward the cliff.
North Carolina groups call for end to utility monopoly, 100% renewable energy — PV MAGAZINE
Their petition calls on elected officials to transition the state to 100% renewables; end Duke Energy’s monopoly on generation; refuse to accept campaign contributions from the utility; and appoint citizen-oriented utility commissioners.
Pipeline hits new setbacks — Rocky Mount Telegram
“This project is $3 billion over budget yet construction had barely begun when it’s been halted for many months,” Warren said. “My guess: 30 percent chance it’ll ever be completed.”
Environmental groups push to break Duke Energy’s monopoly — WRAL
A new coalition of environmental groups called for a sea change Wednesday in how North Carolina does electricity: an end to Duke Energy’s monopoly. The group delivered letters to Gov. Roy Cooper and General Assembly leadership that said “the interests of utility monopolies no longer coincide with those of the state’s electric power customers.”
Dominion Vows To Cut Methane Emissions From Pipelines, Wells — WFAE
Methane that leaks from natural gas wells and pipelines or is vented during pipeline testing contributes to destruction of the ozone layer. Dominion Energy of Virginia says it will cut methane emissions from its natural gas system by about 25 percent over the next decade to help fight climate change.