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Don’t let Duke Energy back out of renewable energy requirements

Duke Energy is back with another attempt to weasel out of developing renewable energy and cleaning up our air, with the help of our state legislature.

S730, Expand CEPS/Nuclear and Hydro, proposes adding existing nuclear plants and large hydroelectric power plants to the state’s definition of clean energy. But adding them would mean the state's renewable energy targets would be immediately met, completely gutting the original intent of these targets: to encourage development of new, clean renewable energy like wind and solar.

Use our form to contact your state representative today: Ask them to oppose S730 and keep the momentum going for clean energy development!

In addition to disincentivizing renewable energy development, S730 would falsely portray nuclear and large hydroelectric plants as environmentally friendly. They're not: Nuclear plants present a host of environmental issues from the collection of uranium through the risks posed by hazardous, radioactive waste storage. And large hydroelectric dams cause major disruptions to river flows and sediment levels, trigger mass fish mortality, and can actually increase greenhouse gas emissions due to the mass flooding of organic materials and release of methane.

S730 and other bills the General Assembly is considering this session would let Duke Energy sneak its way out of meeting the state’s renewable energy development goals. This keeps North Carolina locked into dependence on fossil fuels, more pollution, and more volatile energy prices. 

Speak up today for true clean energy! Tell your lawmaker to oppose S730. Be sure to add a personal message to explain why renewable energy development is important to you, your community, and your family.

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Oppose S730: Protect your constituents from more polluting energy
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I urge you to oppose Senate Bill 730, Expand CEPS/Nuclear and Hydro. This bill adds existing nuclear energy and large hydroelectric power plants to the state’s Clean Energy Portfolio Standard, thereby disincentivizing and undermining development of any new renewable energy sources. Large hydroelectric power plants should not be counted as part of the state’s clean energy portfolio for a number of reasons. Their dams cause major disruptions to river flows and sediment levels, trigger mass fish mortality, and can actually increase greenhouse gas emissions in some cases due to the mass flooding of organic materials and release of methane. That's why North Carolina currently excludes any hydroelectric facilities exceeding 10 MW from the state’s clean energy portfolio standard, as is the case in most other states that have a renewable or clean energy portfolio standard. Adding existing nuclear plants to the clean energy portfolio standard is also highly problematic. These plants already account for a significant percentage of the state’s energy supply, so adding them to the clean energy portfolio completely removes any incentive for Duke Energy to invest in new renewable energy. We need more wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources to reduce our state’s pollution, clean up our air, and help stabilize energy prices. This legislation is clearly an attempt to let Duke dodge the need to invest in renewable energy and reduce pollution in our state. Please vote NO on S730 to stop Duke’s attempt to sneak out of renewable energy requirements and to protect North Carolinians from further fossil fuel pollution.

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